HJ INSPIRATION
Behind the Lens: Allure
Bruno Marc Giamattei takes us behind the lens of his award-winning collection, which earned him a place in the Southern Hairdresser of the Year Hall of Fame
HAIR + STYLING: BRUNO MARC GIAMATTEI
PHOTOGRAPHER: RICHARD MILES
What do you love about this collection?
Shot in 2014, this collection will always be incredibly special to me as it earned me a place in the Southern Hairdresser of the Year Hall of Fame. It was my 10th time as a finalist, the 30th anniversary of the British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional, and I also turned 50, so the timing felt incredibly significant. When my name was called, seeing my industry peers standing, clapping and cheering was an unforgettable moment. This collection felt like an absolute triumph and brings back so many happy memories.
What was the inspiration behind the hair?
I wanted to create a cocktail of silhouettes, textures, lengths and definitions, balancing softness and strength while exuding femininity. The aim was to showcase the pinnacle of hairdressing: beautiful hair. No single element overshadows the images, with every detail working in harmony to showcase the hair and illustrate my creative vision and artistry.
How did you set up the shoot?
It was a breeze from start to finish. A stressful environment always translates into the final images, and thankfully that wasn’t the case here. Photographer Richard Miles was brilliant at getting the best from the model, nailing every angle and pose. I styled the collection myself because I knew exactly what I was looking for. The focus was beautiful hair, with styling and make-up used to accentuate the overall look.
Did anything go wrong on the day?
Nothing went wrong. It was a day filled with positivity, teamwork and, most importantly, creating beautiful hair.
Do you have a significant memory from the shoot?
The model was a make-up artist who had never modelled or worked on a photographic shoot before. Her natural hair was around waist length, and I added pieces at the back and sides for extra volume and the illusion that the hair was floating. Her natural hair was kept underneath her arms while the tucked sections were blown forwards, creating a seamless connection. I’d never seen hair photographed quite so long and, to this day, it’s one of my favourite images. It was one of those magical moments that simply happened on the day.