CLARE MURPHY FOR LFW 26 SHOW
This time we were backstage for Birmingham City University’s fashion showcase at Somerset House. Our creative director, Clare Murphy, led the 11-strong L’Oréal Professionnel Portfolio team, with Saks faces onside.
BCU FASHION TALENT
Sean Pajarillo returned with a bigger, bolder clothing collection this time, after wowing with accessories last year… with eyes on fashion meeting tech. Imarnie Bennett brought her “Reject The Standard” ethos to the runway. A collection about embracing authenticity, ripping up the rulebook on what fashion “should” look like. Zoe Bennett rounded things out, fresh off a display at Selfridges Birmingham too.
SCENE SET
Packed room. Buyers, press from Harper’s Bazaar and Elle and more. Serious creative talent, and proof it doesn’t need a London postcode to make waves. Making waves (and texture and curls) being our role here.
ON LEADING FOR L’OREAL
Clare says: “I wanted everyone to have ownership of styling one model so they could say ‘I did that’ and also maximise their content. The runway looks were next level and it was also cool as the models brought their own vibe. We discussed what we wanted for each. Locks, curls, crew cuts… we had new techniques for textured hair and used the new Tecni Art All In One Performer leave-in conditioner treatment that has loads of uses and benefits. My go-to from now!
“The team was super interested and wanted to learn and support each other. They came in from salons all over the country. I really admire that they want to be inspired, learn and be relevant.”
Chloe in the zone
OUR STYLISTS SAY
Chloe at Saks Barnard Castle: “This was my first time session styling and I loved it all. Being mentored by Clare, learning about textured hair, Tecni Art products and how the team shared knowledge and techniques. And I now have a Saks family bond with our stylists from our other salons. I will definitely put my name forward again.”
“My salon director Jess and teammate Ann-Elise encourage me creatively. As their model for the L’Oréal Colour Trophy, we got through to the final, and it opened my eyes to what I can do outside of the salon -we get brilliant opportunities at Saks.”
Jess of Saks Doncaster: “I learnt so much. Clare was brilliant as usual – patient and helpful. I worked with my salon owner Becky, and we learnt loads, especially using the curl gel without heat. Clare was really chilled. She briefed us in and was on hand as needed. The makeup team was amazing. I previously assisted on the Saks brand campaign shoot and now Fashion Week – loved it.”
Jess nails curls content
OUR SALON OWNER SAYS
Rebecca Calladine of Saks Doncaster – who’s assisted Saks Artists at shoots and shows since 2014 – says: “Always brilliant to assist Clare and Luke Pluckrose at the shows. We always encourage our stylists to put their names forward. An unbelievable experience and – regardless of the brief – we’re able to bring something back to the salon that we’ve learnt. And our clients love hearing all about it!”
Clare and the team
KUDOS FOR TEAM SAKS
Clare Murphy – Creative Director
Chloe Hayton – Saks Barnard Castle
Jess Belton – Saks Doncaster
Rebecca Calladine – Saks Doncaster
IS THIS FOR YOU?
If you’re the kind of stylist who wants a backstage pass… this is just a bit of what “being Saks” means. Fancy being in next year’s blog? Bookmark hairdressing jobs at Saks or get in touch with your local Saks salon to join one of our teams.
Huge thanks and Image credits:
Birmingham Central University
Rubie Drew Costin, L’Oréal Professionnel Portfolio Manager
Laura Rachel Quir, The Central School of Makeup
Fran Gomez de Villaboa, photography