The American Crew All-Star Challenge highlights the outstanding world class talents in men’s grooming. The competition combines the art and science of men’s grooming and creating authentic style – the cut, the model and the photograph – to deliver the ultimate interpretation of the American Crew man.

Country competitions have already taken place and their winners named. Now those fifteen finalists will compete in Brussels with two days of competition photo shoots on May 4 and 5, during which each will cut and style their model, then work with American Crew Founder David Raccuglia to shoot and select the photo that would represent their final look. The winner will be announced on May 8th in the joint event with  Revlon Style Masters.

Meet the Belgian finalist, Christophe De Gauquier:

Describe your professional career path.

I started independently in hairdressing and barbering after successfully completing training in the hairdressing academy Verbist Antwerp. After 25 years of running a successful salon for men and women in the outskirts of Brussels it was time to fulfill a dream and take a new path. I had the idea to specialize in cutting and shaving men. Searching at home and abroad I found this in the traditional barbershops where the man can be a man again. This led me to one of the pioneers “Schorem Haarsnijder en Barbier” in Rotterdam where I learned the tricks of the trade from Bertus and Nelis. After having some years specialized in traditional barbering, I started the men’s barbershop, Men’s Grooming Christophe, in February 2015. After much success, I am now looking to open a second barbershop in September 2017. I actively host workshops to further the skills of other barbers and assist with many barbering events and festivals on the weekends.

How has the American Crew™ brand influenced the way you view men’s grooming?

The American Crew products affect my way of working because it’s a wide range that can be used for both classical and modern men.

What does the American Crew™ All-Star Challenge mean to you?

The American Crew All-Star Challenge means an annual recurring feast. Competing for a title keeps me sharp and prompts me to look at increasing innovation. The show itself is always a pleasant reunion with old friends from other countries. This year is an honor to be able to compete for the global title – a unique and wonderful experience which I am fully enjoying now.

What was your inspiration for your winning look and what American Crew™ products did you use to create it?

My inspiration for the winning look was to create a classic look with an extra touch of naughtiness, but that still can be worn at any event. From beach party to gala evening, this is a look which is easy to style. It is also carrying a very large audience of all ages. After washing with Daily Shampoo, I began to create the look with scissors and clippers that I applied using various techniques. After the cut, I used Alternator to obtain volume. The finish was done with Heavy Hold Pomade and Grooming Spray.

Tell us in a #hashtag how you felt when you learned you won.

#euphoria

What advice would you give to anyone looking to pursue a career as a stylist?

One piece of advice I want to give young stylists is that they should follow their own path. Not the way of the big money (which comes later), but the way of passion for the craftsmanship. I exercise my passion every day so it is easy to continue. Hard work, hairdressing courses and never being satisfied too quickly, has brought me to where I am now.