How do you put together a style collection?

Ask the Experts: How Do You Put Together a Style Collection?AG Haircosmetics Creative Director Jami Symons leads a team of artists in putting together annual hair fashion collections for the British Columbia-based company.

"It all starts by being inspired," he says. "You can grab inspiration from the things that surround you, the people you surround yourself with, travel, anything really."

Once Symons pins down the inspiration, he develops the collection's philosophy, determining "how the collection will relate to hairdressers and how it will help them in their everyday salon life," he says.

"We try to create something for everyone: a short look, a medium style and a long cut that appeal to both hairdressers and clients alike."

Once the core of the collection is complete, Symons says, "I think about offshoots, like a red carpet look, which is usually our updo segment. Then we take it one step further and create more edgy editorial looks that focus on finishing techniques."

Symons sends notes on the collection's inspiration and philosophy to the members of the Artistic Team and invites them to submit their interpretations for consideration to be included in the final collection. Symons and the group finalize all the looks and only then move on to photography, starting with befores and afters with technicals, then creating an editorial portfolio.

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