Saks Artists access all areas
February is for fashion. And from Paris to London, our Saks Artists rocked being backstage at the shows. These experiences give our faces the opportunity to translate cutting-edge design and couture craft into hair artistry at speed and to the highest level.
And get this. Saks stylists also get the chance to assist our Artists wherever they go. These are major opportunities to work creatively with our leaders Luke Pluckrose and Clare Murphy and other top hair industry creatives. To test their creativity in high-pressure environments and bring back *all* the inspo to our salons.
Our February 2026 Fashion Weeks round up is here…
HAUTE HIGHLIGHT
At Paris Couture Week SS26, Tamara Ralph unveiled La Lumière Dorée, a collection of sculpted folds, pleated silhouettes, and signature pearlescent details. Our senior creative director Luke Pluckrose was called on to lead Tamara’s hair team for the third time, this time crafting statement, sculpted updos that mirrored the architecture of the garments, adding drama and elegance to every look.
Assisting Saks Artist and Stylist:
Shannon at Saks Hexham
Leanne at Saks South Shields
ELEGANCE WITH EDGE
At London Fashion Week, AGRO Studio showcased The Wanderer, a collection that married leather and sheepskin with delicate lace and bespoke corsetry. Luke led the L’Oreal Professionnel Portfolio team and interpreted the mood with textured hair and lived-in but deliberate styling, perfectly complementing the collection’s theatrical aesthetic. Every clothing and hair detail telling the tale of drama and craft.
Assisting Saks Artists:
Maisie at Saks Guisborough
Shannon at Saks Hexham
Saks Stylist:
Leanne at Saks South Shields
SAKS ARTIST SHARE
Maisie shares insight on prep, stylists supporting stylists and That Thing…
How do you prepare for these gigs? “I travel the night before so I can relax – face mask, room service, early night – and I’m good to go early on the day.”
How do you keep up with the pace backstage? “I think the vibe of the environment really helps. Everybody is grateful and happy to be there, so there’s a buzz in the room, which helps when it gets crazy. We help each other out.”
A favourite look or moment from the shows you’ve worked on? “It has to be when the models are all in the lineup, ready to walk out. Getting their finishing touches, and we see how it’s all come together. An incredible feeling!”
FUTURE FACES
Next we headed over to The Strand to assist on the L’Oreal Professionnel Portfolio team for Central Saint Martins MA cohort show. Drawing on the vibe of 90s grunge – Marc Jacobs at Perry Ellis – the clothes were raw, nuanced, and unapologetically expressive, crafted by the next generation of fashion talent. Adam Reed’s brief was to keep things real. Unpolished hair with a hint of sheen – echoing the collection’s gritty retro cool.
Assisting Saks Artists and Stylists:
Maisie at Saks Guisborough
Shannon at Saks Hexham
Leanne at Saks South Shields
Macy at Saks Crouch End
SAKS STYLIST POV
Leanne says: “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be styling at fashon week shows. Luke has a totally creative mind and his ability to work under pressure is second to none. I learn so much every time. And he has a laugh as well. What an honour!
“My advice to other stylists who want to go backstage – keep building your confidence. The more you work on the salon floor the more you grow creatively and as a person. You can take your goals and mindset to the next level.”
A SHOUT TO STYLISTS
Love salon life and putting customers centre stage? Why aren’t you at Saks already! We work together to make every day a good salon day for everyone who walks in. From wanting a brilliant start to honing specialist skills at shoots and shows, or returning to salon life, Saks offers major training, rewards and opportunities – our thing since 1974.
If you’ve got a passion for helping to create big salon energy for customers and teammates, we’ll nurture and elevate you all the way. Check our current opportunities or if you don’t find one in your town, why not find your Saks salon and ‘ask the owner’ direct.