photography — Samuel Cole Salon

Oribe Atelier Inspires Samuel Cole Stylists

Oribe Hair Care Ateliers gather like-minded, education-driven stylists to reinvigorate their passion for their craft. Samuel Cole stylists Denise Ficker, Melanie Giovannini and Breanna Shaffer attended the Nashville Atelier, which inspired them to enhance their editorial hairdressing skills. Oribe’s Global Ambassador and educator James Pecis let his brilliance shine on stage as he demonstrated the editorial style for stylists to emulate in the hands-on workshop. Pecis shared the stage with fellow Oribe Educators and celebrity stylists Coby Alcantar, Kein Hoang, and Christian Ceja-Compin.

from left: Coby Alcantar, James Pecis, Christian Ceja-Compin, Kien Hoang

The Atelier is an exhilarating fashion show-style experience, from the opening act to the concluding hands-on workshop. The models were presented and each educator individually explained their process and techniques in detail. Pecis demonstrated the final editorial style: a combination of retro victory rolls and a modern chignon bun at the nape. As stylists recreated this look on their models, educators floated throughout to provide individual expert feedback, while photographers staged the models for a shot of the final look.

This Oribe Atelier exposed me to up and coming trends, not only what’s trendy now, but what’s coming next – like bangs! Everyone had killer bangs!!!” -Melanie Giovannini

Samuel Cole Salon Attends First of It’s Kind LBP “Front Row”

Owner Jack Ray and Samuel Cole Salon stylists* attended the first ever Luxury Brand Partners Front Row in Miami. This four-day festival of inspiration featured industry leaders educating and sharing experiences with top salon owners, stylists and trendsetters from around the world. In addition to exposure to some of the most notable names in hairdressing, Front Row provided nonstop education in the form of hands-on hairstyling sessions and forums in which stylists learned from masters of the craft in a more intimate setting.

The epic kickoff show was introduced by hilarious comedian Natasha Leggero, and electrified the creative passions of the audience. Ronnie Stam and Joey George styled graffiti-inspired masterpieces side by side; James Pecis revealed that the most complicated looks can be simple to achieve if you think outside the box; Coby Alcantar paid homage to 80s artist Patrick Nagel by translating his iconic work into haircuts; Vivienne Mackinder deconstructed a classic french twist; Nicci Welsh used a flat iron to create beachy waves; color brand Goldwell illustrated a timeline of blonde on the runway – from Marilyn Monroe to Lady Gaga; and Kien Hoang landed the finale with a recreation of his backstage work in New York Fashion Week 2016 (for The Blonds). This star studded kickoff set the tone for the rest of the 4-day event: audiences honoring talent, and talent giving their all to inspire the industry.

Left to Right: Joey George, Ronnie Stam, Coby Alcantar, Nicci Welsh (top), Vivienne Mackinder, Kien Hoang

On the heels of the amazing kickoff, best-selling author Jim Collins inspired attendees with a keynote address to provide tips on how to combine passion, talents, and economic drivers to build a career. James Pecis led a hands-on editorial styling session, taking away safety nets to show stylists how to explore beyond their comfort zone.

Samuel Cole Stylists’ Hands-On Models: Alley, Kelsey in James Pecis’ session and Cara, Carolyn in Garren’s workshop

Vaughn Accord, creator of men’s line V76, energized the crowd with a drum performance in tribute to the late David Bowie. Vaughn created “Seven Characters of Men” as a collective snapshot of what his brand is becoming. From a “Brooklyn Biker” to an “Urban Bohemian,” V76 is about bringing out a man’s confidence and energy in his look. Smith and Cult exploded with color on stage, which reflects their nail and lip lacquer palettes. Models stormed the runway dressed to represent unique color names, like “Kings and Thieves,” “Cut the Mullet,” and “Psycho Candy.” Videos of fast-paced tutorials and depictions of each color decorated the show’s backdrop. Founder Dineh Mohajer strut the runway in a wedding dress – to Nirvana – holding a wedding cake that she completely smashed on the song’s cue.

Vaughn Acord with his “Seven Characters of Men” and the colorful Smith and Cult cast

IGK, a modern salon made up of four trend setting stylists: Leo Izquierdo, Franck Izquierdo, Aaron Genia and Chase Kusero, finished the show. It has locations in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and pop up salons around the world. The team of four simultaneously demonstrated various cuts, colors, and stylings with energetic passion.

R+CO creators Howard McLaren, Thom Priano and Garren hosted a “fireside chat” style interview in which they discussed their start in the beauty industry, what inspires them in their craft, and what they would be doing if they weren’t hair stylists. They each demonstrated cutting techniques inspired by artists – McLaren by the movie A Clockwork Orange and the late artist David Bowie, Priano by Classic Rock Icons, and Garren by a range from old Hollywood glamour to 80’s Rock. They also taught individual hands-on sessions in addition to the main stage shows to offer personal feedback. Samuel Cole Master Stylists Carolyn Nord and Cara Harrison learned from Garren first-hand how to balance the use of texture in an editorial look.

IGK Simultaneously Styling, and “The Collective:” R+Co founders Howard McLaren, Thom Priano, and Garren

“To experience Front Row was indescribable. Being surrounded by so many legends in the beauty industry was unforgettable. It puts things in perspective on how to really make something of yourself and provide the ultimate experience for our clients.” –Cara Dempsey.

*In attendance: Carolyn Nord, Sara Beard, Alley Biehl, Cara Harrison, Cara Dempsey, Tiffanie Spellenberg, Kristen Carson, Jenny Smith, Kelsey Easley,
Katie Hu, and Libby Bink

Celebrity Stylist Ronnie Stam Showcases Oribe’s Newest Innovation: Hair Sewing

Cindy Crawford, Christy Burlington, and Tyra Banks are just a few among many fashion icons that Ronnie Stam has styled, not to mention he toured with the Rolling Stones as their exclusive stylist. Stam premiered a new master class from Oribe Education: Swift Stitch (the art of hair sewing) exclusively for Samuel Cole Salon.

Hair sewing creates a light and airy texture without using any pins, and is a trendy alternative to traditional updos that will last all day and into the night. Our stylists spent the day mastering this technique in a hands-on workshop and received individual and specific feedback.

Master Stylist Carolyn Nord said of Stam,

“Ronnie is one of the best in our field. He teaches you to look at hair with a different perspective. It is great to see him in his element and even better when he can teach you the craft. The timing of this class was perfect, the technique is completely on trend and we are entering prom and wedding season.”

KatieM Attends Workshop In LA And Shares With Samuel Cole Stylists

Ramona’s Cover of Ukraine Vogue, compliments of her agency, Jed Root

Master stylist KatieM traveled to Los Angeles to attend a workshop within Oribe Education. She had the honor of learning from editorial stylist Ramona Eschbach. Ramona has had her work grace the cover of many magazines including Ukraine and Russian Vogue.

The workshop led by Ramona featured incorporating braids and sculpting the hair to create different looks with texture. The class gave the Oribe Educators inspiration through collaboration.

I loved working under Ramona! She is the real deal and working with her is such an honor” said KatieM.

KatieM took this amazing opportunity and brought back her inspiration and shared what she learned with her Samuel Cole team in a hands-on workshop. Stylists worked in teams on live models with the final look comprising different textures which merged together for a stunning fused look.

The class was a great learning experience! Working together with a stylist who might do somethings different than the way you do was a great change of pace. It opens your eyes on different ways to achieve similar results and working as a team gave it great satisfaction at our end result.” said stylist Dempsey.

Jack Ray Attends Wella Creative Retreat in Las Vegas

Owner Jack Ray with Stephen Moody, Global Education Dean

Owner of Samuel Cole Salon, Jack Ray was invited to Wella Creative Retreat which took place in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event was held in conjunction with Wella Trend Vision Awards which brought a whole new excitement to the experience. Jack had the pleasure of watching our very own KatieM take the gold. The events took place at the beautiful Aria Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Creative Retreat brings top salon owners together that are passionate and creates an unique creative opportunity. They work as a collaborative team creating trends and looks that lead up to a photoshoot and a runway show. Hosting the Wella event was top company representatives; Diego Raviglione (Wella Education Artist Manager), Sal Mauceri (Head of North America Wella, a division of Procter & Gamble), Fabio Sementilli (Vice President of Education for WELLA), Stephen Moody (Wella Global Education Academy Dean), Nick Berardi (Master Educator, Platform Artist, Photographer and CEO of NickEducation.com )

The final look of the models at the retreat

Model Presentation and Photo Shoot

Another highlight of this event is the opportunity for the participants to preview Wella’s newest technology and to test innovative products and give their feedback months before it is introduced to the industry. It also gives the salon owners the chance to network with other industry and market leaders from around the country. Jack had the honor of working with numerous successful stylists, colorists, and business leaders during the event, including: Oscar Blandi (stylist and owner of The Oscar Blandi Salon), Anthony Morrison ( stylist and owner of The Londoner), Serge Safar (stylist and owner of Safar), Steve Lococo (stylist and co-owner of B2V Salon), Stephen Posta (stylist and owner of Dyer & Posta Salon), Rachel Carter (stylist at Dyer & Posta Salon), and Jessica Soler (owner and stylist at Salon Red).