The ESSENTIAL LOOKS team for Spring/ Summer 2008 was led by Global Editorial Ambassador Tyler Johnston, who explains, “The Spirit Collection is a fantastic opportunity for hairdressers to learn and practice new skills. From undercutting to dressing – it’s all here and set in a true fashion context.”

Steve Hogan, Creative Director for Schwarzkopf Professional Essential Looks is also enthusiastic, “I’m excited about the Spirit Collection because it’s populated by wearable and beautiful shapes and tones that have great commercial application. Essential Looks is our enduring commitment to placing fashion driven skills directly into the hands of hair professionals around the world. The Spirit Collection is set to ensure our tenth year will be our best yet.” 

The Essential Looks Spirit Collection is presented in four fashion moods:

All photos are presented to you by the Essential Looks from Schwarzkopf Professional.

School's Out  

Fresh faced super model Agness Deyn is the poster child of the School’s Out trend.  Aim somewhere between prim and punky, and you will nail this quirky look in no time. Global Editorial Ambassador Tyler Johnston raves, “Schools Out is a clear favourite for me because it’s about youth culture, about individuals really experimenting with personal style. It’s an edgy trend that’s more about outlook than age, and I love it.”

School’s Out means to “stand out”, with strong hair looks, deconstructed shapes, hidden lengths and shattered outlines.  Fringes give the looks a youthful touch, or they are styled seductively.  Graphic bobs feature a heavy, compacted fringe, extending to the lashes.  Warm, dark and cool colours are mixed to create exciting new combinations, adding quirkiness to every cut.  Blondes contain internal veils of silvery grey, and brunettes are bolstered with panels of chocolate and caramel. The effect is all sweet rebellion.

Fashion Week Trends:
Luella captured her School’s Out moment with button down blouses and liberty print Ra Ra skirts, twinned with a pale geeky complexion and hardcore DM’s. Marc Jacobs offered an irreverent take on fifties deb-about-town styling, while Eley Kishimoto opted for rosettes and ribbons, cadet caps and kohl-rimmed eyes.

East

This trend is a clash of East meets West in glorious contradiction: a blend of functional discipline and chaotic textures and shapes.  Tyler Johnston explains, “East has a wonderful sculptural quality and clear Asian references. Technically perfect and gorgeously simple—the Kimono is a great garment analogy for this hair look.”  East is a trend for those who enjoy the spotlight and have an individualistic sense of style.

This trend features rounded, head hugging bobs with shorter internal shapes.  The ultimate in versatility, this style can be dressed to look cute or chaotic. Longer lengths can be expressed through anarchic loose waves or ripples of thick, healthy hair. The East trend revels in brunettes who embrace playful individuality, with shots of cool and warm tones through the depths.

Fashion Week Influences:
The East trend capitalises on the influences of all things Asian from the world’s fashion stage.  Think Issey Miyake’s origami inspired gowns and Comme des Garcons with their experimental shapes and high impact colours.

Brigade

In Spring/ Summer 2008, Brigade is set to really separate the men from the boys with grown-up, masculine glamour.  This trend is all about sharp tailoring and effortless charm.  With Brigade, men can boldly show off their own sense of style this season with a look that is destined to become a classic.

This clean cut tailoring extends effortlessly into personal grooming, with clean complexions, defined jaw lines and, of course, well crafted, head hugging styles. Outlines are kept lean through the sides, with length through the crown for variety and expression. Texture can be dressed for a modern matte finish or styled flat for a super groomed, just washed gleam. Colours are kept natural and solid.

From Fashion Week:
This trend was defined by the muted palette and scaled down silhouettes of Prada, who worked a look that was confidently casual when wore with buttoned up shirts minus the tie. The beautifully suited and booted elegance of Jil Sander was further evidence that the Brigade trend has given men fresh licence to ditch scruffy in favour of dapper sophistication.

New Romance

Graceful femininity dominates the catwalks this season.  This look is not about girly, innocent romance, rather the seductive charm of confident women.  New Romance exudes stylish glamour.  Its eclectic mix of structures, forms and styles makes New Romance wearable for any woman.

This sensational trend is defined by ultra-feminine styles that hit just the right note of classy glamour. Length, volume and super shiny organic shapes amplify this alluring fashion mood, giving you the perfect excuse to spend more time in front of the mirror.  Curls are piled and tumbling, straight hair is either full and natural or sculpted. Colours are deep darks or golden, with soft highlights or warm lowlights to add contrast.  Intense tones deliver glorious shine to every strand.

From Fashion Week:

New Romance could be found in the floral chiffons or the cool, tailored safari suits of Stella McCartney, the fit and flare sundresses and rich brocades of Dolce and Gabbana and even the pastels, prints and layers of the usually garish Galliano. Rose lips, doe eyes and peachy complexions all set the scene for some carefully coiffed looks that accentuate the face shape.

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