2 mins
ADVENTURES OF A CREATIVE DIRECTOR
From waiter to Creative Director, Giuseppe Stelitano tells us how serving Trevor Sorbie led to a career change
What has been your career journey so far?
I met Trevor Sorbie in a restaurant 14 years ago when I was his waiter. I knew I wanted to be creative and a hairdresser, and this chance meeting gave me the inspiration to achieve it. In 2017, I moved to the UK and got a job as a barista at the salon. I then started training and within one year of qualifying, I joined the art team and three years later became Creative Director. There have been challenges, but the 18-year-old who was dreaming of becoming a hairdresser wouldn’t believe the things I’ve achieved! If you work hard and be as humble and authentic as you can, it will pay off.
What do you do in your role as Creative Director?
My role often evolves, but for me, it’s progressing into a more creative digital output; areas such as social media, graphics, and digital design are more important now than ever – along with the creative and conceptual side. Photography is important to me, and I try to develop concepts that inspire others. I still run a busy column so I’m doing multiple things every day. It’s a learning process, and it has to come from your heart.
What are the challenges you’ve faced so far in your career?
Dealing with self-doubt. There are always nerves around what you have created before and how you can beat it. There’s also a lot of expectation of living up to Trevor’s name. You have to stay motivated by getting involved in different areas of creativity.
What inspires you?
Music, art, travelling, and my day-to-day life. I’ve taken a lot of inspiration from my own experiences and memories. There is such a concentration of talent and creativity from the fashion industry, which is why when it comes to Fashion Week, the trends explode. It’s a fusion of all things creative: clothing, hair and make-up, concepts. It has it all.
What’s next for Giuseppe?
I’ve launched a new ‘Creative Path’ for the Trevor Sorbie team; mentoring a select team to build their creative skills. I’m also focusing on my own collection. I’m going to take my time and focus on new ideas, rather than results, by starting from scratch. I’m looking at the different elements like a puzzle – Ican’t wait for everyone to see it! HJ
2017
Began working as a barista at Trevor Sorbie Salon, Covent Garden
2018
Qualified as a colourist
2019
Joined the Trevor Sorbie Artistic Team
2022
Became Creative Director and won L’Oréal Colour Trophy Award