L’Oréal Inspiration Officiel

2014 has seen many of our Luxelab stylists traveling the globe in search of education and inspiration and as always, they returned with lots to share. In a spectacular evening conceptulized and produced by Phillip Manzanaras for Luxelab, inc , 75 stylists from the 5 Luxelab locations were treated to these exciting experiences.

We were honored to have the show open with special guests Marlene Arce (national Vice President of Education for L’Oréal Professionelle) and Victoria Chestnut (West Coast Educational Director for L’Oréall Professionelle) outlining Loreal’s storied history and the grand vision for the future.

First stop: Vienna. Shawn Cunningham (Partner and Manager of Luxelab Bel Air) and Colette Simon (Manager of Luxelab Montana and Academy Educational Director) traveled with L’Oréal to Vienna, Austria where they attended classes at the gorgeous L’Oréal Academy as well as visiting some of the top sights the city has to offer. Inspired by Betram K’s unique cutting approach, Shawn showed his version of a 5 step commercial long layered haircut, while Colette showed an editorial look inspired by a ride in an antique ferris wheel at the Wurstelprater amusement park.

Back in the USA, Craig Wcislo (Montana avenue salon stylist and partner and Kerastase national educational leader) and Jen Beckerman (Luxelab’s senior Editorial stylist and lead stylist for One Styling) presented the work they did back stage in New York fashion week spring shows for brands like Jason Woo, Thakoon, and many more. From corset inspired runway styling to edgy updos, this team showed the skills that only working backstage in high pressure situations can bring.

We then jetted off to Paris with Eric Garza (Luxelab Bel Air stylist and L’Oréal National styling Educator) and Beth Montgomery (Montana Avenue Assistant Manager and L’Oréal National styling educator). Their avant-garde work, complete with eye popping up-dos, spectacular headpieces, and extraordinary hair extensions was based on their photo shoot experience hosted by L’Oréal in the city of lights.

This event was a glorious reflection on travel, education, experiences and inspirations from 2014 and with the New Year around the corner, it was fitting to hear from Lauren Sill (Luxelab creative director, Kerastase lead educator, and Shu Uemura creative Director) and Amanda Gonsoulin (Luxelab Creative Director, L’Oréal National color educator and Lead Academy Color Educator) on the forecast of the latest color trends we can expect to see. Look out for techniques called “color melting and “pony lights” to create soft, yet dramatic color transitions for spring.

Special thanks goes to Craig Wcislo and Michelle Hansen who were responsible for the original fashion creations that each of the models were adorned in, along with ornate costume jewelry from Margaret Rowe Couture jewelry(available at Luxelab for purchase). Models were styled by Liz Abrams and Ani Avakyan for Luxelab, inc. and editorial make-up was done by Heather Pepe and Janae from Luxelab Pasadena.

Looking forward to what 2015 will bring!