
Rodrick Samuels on The Silent Work, Modern Beauty Education and Why Empathy Wins
MODERN SALON sat down with Samuels to discuss the book, beauty education, mentorship and the habits that help beauty professionals thrive.
Beautiful looks and talent on display at Intercoiffure's Fall Atelier for 2016 in New York.












Sharon Blain's hair mask inspired by an Alexander McQueen Victoria & Albert Exhibition in London. "I was desperate to recreate it," she said on stage at the Intercoiffiure America/Canada Fall Atelier in 2016.
Hair: Sharon Blain – ICA/Goldwell … Makeup: Cheryl Eposito/Becca … Lips Pat McGrath Glitter … Fashion Stylist: Rod Novoa.
Helen Oppenheim
The Australian whirlwind, Sharon Blain, sponsored by Goldwell USA, received a standing ovation after her introductory presentation models, well deserved. The theme of her knock-out show was Twisted Aura. She started planning her October show for Intercoiffure America/Canada's Fall Atelier for 2016 in January, and the avant-garde hair pieces in the spectacular show were something else. The hair, the headpieces, the accessories were inspired by and an ode to Alexander McQueen, re-created to Inspire the hair world. All the avant-garde extravaganzas were constructed with a strong foundation to support the shape, then deconstructed. "You have to learn how to construct before you can deconstruct," she advised. The hairpieces in the show "presented two extremely different emotions. One being fragility, the other strength." Most of the work used an invisible nylon thread, in very creative ways, to help the magic. And magic it was.
To see more Sharon Blain, click HERE
Other great looks by more talents included here is the beautiful, subtle work by Rebecca Hiele and Shane Bennett for Goldwell USA. There's more archived on the website.
Perry Monge, who led the Nouveau Creative Team, always produces shows with themes, often controversial! This year, it was FEMinMen, keying into the 21st century struggles with gender Identity, featuring hair and fashion styles " as mind-bending as they were gender-bending," he said. "The models changed their looks ever so slightly to alter our perceptions and make us ask; Is it feminine? Is it masculine? And finally, does it matter?" We show two of his looks, one with a hat, one without, on a curly lob.
Sadly, I missed Ted Gibson's starring show, but did catch this waving beauty backstage.
Van Council, iCA Artistic Director and his Creative Team, presented their show, with lots of hearts, at the Press Lunch, sponsored by Aveda. The hair – a R-evolution of love – was mostly short and geometric with some strategic color. He also cut one model (not shown) from long to mid to short on stage.
The theme for the last Intercoiffure America/Canada Fall Atelier at the Waldorf Astoria, at least for 3 years, maybe forever, was Many Tribes, One Vision. "The goal," said Frank Gambuzza, ICA President, "was to celebrate that our differences are what make us stronger, even though we come from different backgrounds, cities, countries and generations." Here are some photos from just a few of the great shows and events.
For more inspiration at Intercoiffure's Fall Atelier for 2016, click HERE
ABOUT HELEN OPPENHEIM Helen Oppenheim, hair guru, has been Creative/PR Director for Vidal Sassoon US/Canadian Salons(1979-1981) and for La Coupe Salons (on and off for 14 trend-setting years like no other)…"Ambassadress" for John Sahag and his Workshop for a total of 4 years … She has been US Correspondent for Spain's Peluquerias Magazine for decades, and freelanced for many of the world's hair magazines, including Modern Salon …… Judging duties include Global Salon Business Awards in 2008, Winners for NAHA in 2015 and 2016. She photographs backstage at NY Fashion Weeks and Museums. Check her website for more, much more.Helen can be contacted on her websitewww.helenoppenheim.comand her Facebook Biz Buzz https://www.facebook.com/OppOnn2/ Comments and Likes are welcome on both.

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