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SEARCHLuis Alvarez loves to collaborate. Whether he’s working on a new product launch like Biomega, teaching aspiring artists at the Aquage Master Class Academy or planning a photo shoot, he emphasizes the team effort.
Elegant with an Edge
Luis Alvarez loves to collaborate. Whether he's working on a new
product launch like Biomega, teaching aspiring artists at the
Aquage Master Class Academy or planning a photo shoot, he
emphasizes the team effort.
"You have to establish a vision, and be sure everyone is on the same
page before you start creating," says Alvarez, who is co-founder and vice
president of creative for Aquage.
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Couture and coiffure: Alvarez and fashion stylist Patric Chauvez work on getting the balance of the hair and dress just right.
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So even though he had already gotten the nod from Beauty Systems
Group/CosmoProf© Vice President of Communications Carolyn Corporon
to create an exclusive cover for the second annual MODERN SALON Holiday issue (which Beauty Systems Group sponsors) he scheduled a
call. He wanted to talk with her and MODERN SALON Creative Director
Michele Musgrove about concept, color scheme and hair.
"We agreed on red as the dominant color," recalls Alvarez. "And that
this year's cover should scream holiday, but in an elegant way."
He had the perfect dress in mind. Regular collaborator and fashion
stylist Patric Chauvez had shown him a dramatic, vintage-feel red dress
from the Lanvin design house, and they had been looking for the perfect
opportunity to showcase it.
The hair, however, would be completely contemporary and contrasting.
"The idea is that even an edgy girl can go elegant. Every client should be
encouraged to try something new at the holidays, and her stylist can help
her go glamorous while staying true to herself."
So Alvarez and team, including hairdresser Shelly Devlin, abandoned
intricate updos and sleek styling for a short, textured and brilliantly
"messy" blonde design. After applying plenty of professional Aquage
product, a powerful statement of beauty was achieved.
The dress was the inspiration, explains Alvarez, but the power of the
look is all in the hair. "People told us she looks like a present herself, a
‘gift of beauty.'"
And more than 120 people were on-hand to see the gift come to life.
The shoot was held during the Aquage Masterclass Academy during Beauty
Week in Las Vegas in July. Visit aquage.com for more info.
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Alvarez adds his finishing touches to hairdresser Shelly Devlin's styling work before taking the shot.
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Real time viewing: The cover shoot was held during the Aquage Master Class Academy and attendees were able to view the work in progress.
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While the cover shoot happens, master artist Ann Bray works on models for her "Master Pieces" spread (click here to see it).
Hair: Shelly Devlin for Aquage
Photography: Luis Alvarez for Aquage
Make-up: Wanda Alvarez
Fashion styling: Patric Chauvez
Fashions: Couture dress by Lanvin;
jewelry by Erikson Beamon.
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