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SEARCHPaco Lopez from Spain shares what it means to be a finalist representing his country in the American Crew All-Star Challenge to be held in Lisbon, Portugal on April 28, 2014.
STYLING BY PACO LOPEZ
UPDATE 5.16.14: Out of 1100 entries to the American Crew All-Star Challenge, a men’s styling and photo shoot competition, only 14 stylists were chosen to compete for the global title. They came to Lisbon, Portugal for two days of photo shoots with American Crew founder and photographer, David Raccuglia to realize their vision. Jerome Kantner of Germany was crowned the All-Star Global Champion on April 28, 2014.
The final photo that was created in Lisbon is the first displayed here while the second photo was the winning country entry and the image that secured the stylists a place in the global challenge. Brief interviews were conducted at the photo studio.
Meet Spain's Country Winner and competitor, Paco Lopez:
“Muy contento.” This was how Paco Lopez felt upon touching his model’s hair.
A salon owner from Seville, Spain, he was number six to pick his model but he was happy with his choice.
“My idea was not to repeat what I had already done, to be a little different, but to make sure it represented American Crew.”
With his clippers, scissors and razor (free form), he incorporated his favorite Crew products (Boost Cream and Defining Paste) into a look that took the allotted 45 minutes to create. And did 45 minutes feel like enough time? “It is plenty of time if you were just cutting but I had to also wash the hair so time felt short. The nerves, the pressure, they start to get to you, too. I had an idea of what I wanted to do but you have to deal with the hair in front of you. “
Shooting with David Raccuglia was a career high-point for Paco. “He knows that the angle you shoot from changes everything. It was such an honor to work with this man, a hairdresser who created a brand that is sold throughout the world.”
Last year’s champion, Pedro Jose Munoz, is also from Spain. The advice he gave to Paco was to “just to enjoy. That this is my job.” Paco said his Spanish friends and colleagues had been so loving and supportive.
Paco said good-bye to his model in a manner that seemed typical of his entire approach—warm, genuine and enthusiastic. And then, ever the consummate professional, just before his model headed out the door, Paco checked his hair and made sure he sent him off looking “perfecto.”
Paco Lopez from Spain
HAIR STORY:
I’ve always enjoyed fashion, even early in my childhood. I got started in hairdressing by working as an apprentice for various salons, and in 1990, I began to work for one of the top hairdressers in Seville, Spain. After three years of working together, I was promoted to manager and had the desire to open my own salon. Six years later, “The Barber Ship by Paco Lopez” opened in Seville.
GROOMING MUST-HAVE:
I use almost all of the American Crew product line, choosing products based on the look I am trying to create – many times I’ll use Boost Cream, Boost Powder and Defining Paste.
FAVORITE MALE CELEBRITY HAIRSTYLE:
Mariano Di Vaio and Cary Grant
AMERICAN CREW & MEN’S GROOMING?
I identify with the American Crew image of men’s grooming and it has strengthened my creativity as a stylist.
WHAT DOES THE AMERICAN CREW ALL-STAR CHALLENGE MEAN TO YOU?
My greatest professional achievement is being the country winter for Spain in the American Crew All-Star Challenge. I’m excited to see my work among the best.
YOUR REACTION TO WINNING YOUR COUNTRY’S HONORS:
#HappinessandExcitement
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