Open brief, closed set

Hairdressers are a pivotal part of a creative crew, but it’s rare they’re handed complete control…

In this very special Creative HEAD video project in partnership with BaByliss PRO, the hairstylists were in charge. This is Artists in Session, a short film featuring five fabulous hairdressing names, all given full unadulterated, unencumbered freedom to create.

Working to a brief – it’s the norm, right? Whether set by a client, brand manager, shoot producer or creative director, generally the job is to fulfil the requirements of the person calling the shots. But what if you were that person? Where would you take it? What would you do?

Taking inspiration from The Coterie: In Session event, which turns the spotlight on stellar artists working live in the studio, this spin-off project provided an opportunity to follow five respected artists on set, each working to a completely open brief. It was a a chance to observe them in action but also to probe them about what makes them tick and the tricks in their arsenal – to reflect on this most challenging year and consider the kind of future they hope to see for the industry.

Artists in Session features five awesome creatives – I Can I Am and I Will founder, Louis Byrne; educator, texture expert and session pro, Lisa Farrall; barber extraordinaire and owner of SliderCuts, Mark Maciver; Saks artistic director and session star, Luke Pluckrose; and freelance stylist, colourist and Humankind Hair co-founder, Harriet Stokes – each with a lot to show, and a lot to share.

FILM CREDITS
Featured hair artists: Louis Byrne, Lisa Farrall, Mark Maciver, Luke Pluckrose, Harriet Stokes
Make-up: Amy Conley and Eli Wakamatsu at Stella Creative Artists
Fashion: Mekel Bailey at Wizzo & Co, Olivia Jones
Models: Blythe at Wild Management, Jeremiah Calvin (direct casting), Hailey Cho at Body London, Kayleigh Grant at Wilhelmina, Queren Hapuki Santo at Body London
Videography: Sledge
Production: Creative HEAD in partnership with BaByliss PRO
Filmed at Spring Studios in London

Content was filmed over two days (not consecutively) and PPE worn by the stylists reflects the UK government guidelines in place at the time

ARTISTS IN SESSION STYLIST PROFILES >