Hair on the Avenue: The Beast Within

A couple of months ago, my friends at Hair on the Avenue invited me on set for an exclusive behind the scenes glimpse at The Beast Within. This innovative salon is always coming up with exciting ways to share the latest hair trends – last year they produced a short film and this year, they decided to create a photo novella inspired by 1960′s pop art.

Salon Founder, Luis Pacheco, first told me about the concept while I was in his chair having my first ombre experience. I was instantly captivated by the idea and was thrilled to join the Hair on the Avenue team on set for an afternoon at The Shangri-La Toronto.

Synopsis: The Beast Within is the tale of a vengeful mistress whose innocence and core is manipulated by an alluring, yet suffocating taste of luxury. In the absence of honest love, she is left with only one choice: to regain power and reclaim her soul.

Inspired by his childhood, Luis chose to illustrate this story through a photo novella.

I was always enamoured with the medium and its ability to tell a story through a series of intense, emotive photos. My goal was to marry the past and present by shooting in a current setting, (The Shangri-La Toronto), with the aesthetic of works by Roy Lichtenstein, Dick Tracy, Boogie Nights, Quentin Tarantino and Madonna. - Founder, Luis Pacheco

As soon as I saw the art deco and retro inspired looks I knew that I would love the finished product. The gorgeous (and so lovely) Vita of Elmer Olsen Model Management was decked out in gorgeous apparel from Rac Boutique and dripping in jewels by A-list favourite, Mark Lash.

I was equally enamoured with the stunning hair and makeup done my Hair on the Avenue’s Kelly Araujo (Stylist) and Robert Weir (Makeup Artist). As a girl with curls, I was thrilled to see curly styles take centre stage for fall 2013 and I love the four ways they styled it for the shoot.

Recent trends have led us down a path of less volume, less texture and less effort. As a stylist, I really wanted to bring back the curl and reminisce upon a time when hair was intentionally overdone and larger than life. As the story develops, our character’s curl goes on a journey moving between the eras while embracing modernity. - Stylist, Kelly Araujo

LOVE the big hair! Reminds me of the enormous curls I rocked in my photo shoot for The Black Box Boutique. I wish I could recreate the look myself!

It was all about timeless glamour for the makeup…

Makeup was inspired by screen legend Joan Crawford. A fresh base with a statement lip and minimal colour palette is strongly reminiscent of Old Hollywood. The look is timeless, ageless and ultra-feminine. – Robert Weir, Makeup Artist

It was really amazing to watch these talented individuals work together to create something truly unique. I mean, how many salons share hair trends in such a creative way?! It was a long day for the Hair on the Avenue team and their tireless models, but there was lots of laughter on-set and the finished product is evidence of how much passion went into it.

The photos by photographer Luca Salvatore are simply stunning and with the magic of art direction by Michael Groombridge, they’ve become works of art in a photo novella worth keeping on the bookshelf for years to come.

CLICK HERE to read The Beast Within and CLICK HERE to read more about the hair and makeup looks on the Hair on the Avenue blog.

As we get closer fall, we’ll share more tips and tricks to achieve these looks – it’s all about curls so start practicing with your curling iron ladies!

Special thanks to the entire Hair on the Avenue Team for inviting me on set – I’m more excited about fall hair trends than ever!

Stay tuned for more fabulous hair tips and trends from Hair on the Avenue – rumour has it I’ll be back in the salon soon for some summer hair love soon

Behind the scenes photos taken by me, graphic novella photos taken by Luca Salvatore.
Full graphic novella credits HERE.

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