
For left picture on front slider and 3rd picture from the left on the inside collage: Make-up: Laura Dominique and Emma Kotch, Photography: Andrew O’Toole
NEW YORK: Our new guest editor Stefanie Zoe Warncke from New York first met hair stylist Angelo Seminara when she was in London. Ever since she kept an eye on his creative work and would without hesitation let him do whatever he wants with her hair. Colouring hair is no longer tacky, but rather a modern way of beautifying. We got curious and wanted to know more about how he does it.
ZOE WARNCKE: What is your definition of hair jewellery?
ANGELO SEMINARA: There is no question that creative hairdressing is an art form. And once you have thoroughly mastered your skills, by coupling these with your imagination you can create just about anything artistic. For example, you can conjure up an illusion of jewels in the hair and make stunning visual impact through clever concealed colour techniques. So I prefer to let my hair do the talking rather than add actual jewellery.
ZOE WARNCKE: When you create hair style in motion or for a photograph, does it work differently?
ANGELO SEMINARA: Photography and creating eye-catching imagery is an essential part of my work. I’ve collaborated for many years with lots of different fashion houses, brands, companies, magazines and curators for artistic installations in exhibitions. These clients often have high expectations of what they want from the hair and it’s my job to dismiss its perceived limitations. I am often required to push hair to the limit. Creating under these conditions sees me using every single skill and technique I have at my fingertips. These assets are hard learnt and hard won through decades of dedication to the essence of mastering hair. Creating demanding hair involves conquering it, showing it who is the boss.
ZOE WARNCKE: Where do you start when creating hair, what kind of preparation is necessary?
ANGELO SEMINARA: For me, preparation involves stepping outside the box and I think about creating something thought to be impossible and something which appeals to my senses. I love to create something new and original that pleases my eyes, my mind and my soul. When preparing my work, it is important to me to be original, have lots of ideas to think about, research and develop my inspiration to express my creativity. This is the most exciting phase of the process and although challenging, it’s no hardship. I love hairdressing and if you love something in life you automatically become loyal and truthful to it, stick with it through thick and thin.
ZOE WARNCKE: You treat hair like a crown to complete an entire story. Do you have a special narrative in mind the moment you start or do you develop a story while working?
ANGELO SEMINARA: Ideas and inspiration for my work come mainly from nature and everyday life. An idea can be like a fine wine which needs to rest a while ahead of being opened, and is then allowed to breathe for maximum enjoyment. For me it is important to be original and I store lots of ideas to choose from, play with them all then settle on the right one for the right purpose. Remember I am Italian, well connected to my emotions and I stay in touch with my senses as I work. So, yes, I will always have an idea in mind as I approach each project but I allow the story to flow with a natural energy and direction – like a waterfall – as I begin to get a feel for where the hair is taking me.
ZOE WARNCKE: Your personal tip for colouring your hair?
ANGELO SEMINARA: Colour has the potential to capture the essence of a look, bare its soul. So for me, it has to be it is the sensitive application of my revolutionary Flamboyage colouring technique every time. Flamboyage is a unique colouring technique with many guises. From sparkling flashes and iridescent sweeps to luminescent veils and decisive highlights, Flamboyage increases the clarity of a style every time.
ZOE WARNCKE: Best treatment for coloured hair?
ANGELO SEMINARA: Davines Vegetarian Miracle treatment deeply moisturises hair making is soft and shiny. Its Acai Oil imparts strong conditioning and protective properties and its Grape Phytoceutical ingredient has a strong anti-oxidant action – great for coloured hair.
ZOE WARNCKE: Where do you collect your inspiration?
ANGELO SEMINARA: Inspiration comes from so many things but I am always inspired by nature: its essence embraces everything, summons all the senses. You can draw from its beauty and wonder, be inspired and adapt it to create anything you want. Fashion stylists and photographers also inspire me, because they think outside the box; external experts such as architects, designers and contemporary artists do the same.
ZOE WARNCKE: Fashion shows see models changing their hair for each show. What is your advice for them to de-stress hair in-between and afterwards?
ANGELO SEMINARA: Working backstage at shows sees me and my team using Davines products – there’s no other brand like it. Apart from being ethically sound, really caring for and respecting the environment, the products are absolutely brilliant to work with as they are totally compatible to hair and hairdressers’ needs. For example, Davines Salt Spray makes fine hair thicker, much easier to handle and mould and it’s great for stopping hair slippage yet it doesn’t make hair feel dry. Or Davines’s Non-Oil Oil which I love; it creates a wonderful texture and grip, visually delivering a beautiful finish without weighing down the hair down or making it appear wet. Between shows we recommend models gently brush through using a Mason Pearson brush – the King of brushes. They are easy to handle, glide through the hair and don’t pull or damage. That, along with a regular misting with a water spray to keep hair hydrated.
