Angelo Seminara On Pushing Boundaries, Editorial Work And Signature Technique
“I love people and am very interested in human psychology,” says world-renowned hairdresser Angelo Seminara when asked on his career choice.
“I realized early on that hairdressing enables me to meet interesting people at work. This makes it a lot more exciting and makes the job more fun. As the world is made up of people, we might as well meet as many as possible.” And this has been working for the acclaimed hairdresser one of the components truly defining his career so far.
Seminara is arguably considered one of the most celebrated and highly-respected hairstylist in the industry. His avant-garde, award-winning styles has amassed an impressive clientele and on prestigious fashion runway shows for the likes of Chanel, Hermès, Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Stella McCartney, Dolce & Gabbana, among others.
Career lift-off
But he first stepped into the world if hairdressing as a barber at the mere age of 11 in his hometown in south of Italy, to which he refers to as his “biggest challenge”. Five years later, he moved to the capital to take up a job with leading salon Toni & Guy.
“I had to learn quickly when I arrived at a salon on the most stylish street in Rome. Suddenly I was not doing men’s hair but styling hair for Italy’s most exquisite women,” Seminara explains. “The women who came to get their hair done, without realizing it, educated me on what a glamorous woman is and how she wants her hair done. They taught me so much about beauty and also enhancing a woman’s natural features.”
After his stint in Rome, he took up a role as a protégé and International Creative Director for of Trevor Sorbie in London in 1995.
“It’s been an amazing journey. Trevor has been more like a father figure to me from a young age,” he says. “We just clicked and immediately had mutual respect for one another, not only on an artistic level, but on a personal level too. Trevor has truly pushed me to be the person I am today, and I will always be thankful for that.”
Trevor Sorbie even told to him: “Every now and again someone comes along who changes the agenda. Angelo has such a passion and a commitment to his work; hairdressing is not his job – it’s his life.”
To Seminara, this is one of the best compliments he’s ever received in his life, especially coming from someone who is so established and successful within the industry, he says.
Moonlight Collection
Goldwell collaboration
This year, the International award-winning hairstylist signed as the Global Ambassador for Goldwell, where he will create limited-edition collections and inspire innovation for the brand’s products and services.
“In the last five years, I started to become frustrated with hair colour and technology. I wanted to find a brand that is forward thinking and produces incredible results. Goldwell ticks all the boxes in my opinion!” he shares.
“I could instantly see the possibilities to grow and to develop new colours, tools and techniques. I feel so happy to have chosen Goldwell and started this new journey. I am looking forward to working closely with the research and development team as well as creating many more collections for Goldwell.”
Editorial work
Seminara’s ability to produce original, aesthetic work is truly one of a kind and has been increasingly seen in the culture and arts sphere, gracing international publications, notably Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Italian Vogue, French Vogue.
“There are times where I love fashion and then times when I feel uncertain about it. Fashion has become fast, now more than ever. Sometimes I wish it was slower and more sustainable, just better for our planet. I’m happy that people are more aware now and changing their shopping habits; like swapping clothes, buying vintage or thrifting at charity shops,” Seminara, who is an avid photographer and collector of art and design books, explains.
“Besides this, fashion does influence my work in a positive way. You can always draw inspiration from the clothes on set or with seasonal trends. I really enjoy editorial work as it often brings out your creative side and it pushes you to be more daring!”
Since 2010, the four-time British Hairdresser of the Year winner has worked closely with the fashion curator Judith Clark to create distinctive hair installations that have been seen in exhibitions at the Palais de Tokyo, Museo Fortuny in Venice, at the Barbican in London, and others globally.
When it came to fashion shows, he credits Shelley Fox as the designer who pushed him the most creatively.” She is a dear friend of mine, who now works at Parsons University in New York. We worked together on the fashion circuit many years ago and it was such a memorable experience. Shelley was trusting and let me go bold with all the hair looks.”
‘The Imprinter’ technique
One of Seminara’s winning factors is his cutting-edge technique and defies categorization.
For eight consecutive years since his start in 2011, Angelo was the Art Director for Italy’s Davines Spa where he conducted ground-breaking research into new hair colouring techniques, inventing a new innovative colour instrument titled ‘Flamboyage’ in 2012. Four years later, he launched a range of critically-acclaimed hair products ‘Your Hair Assistant’ in 2016.
This time round, he conceived colouring technique ‘The Imprinter’ unlike anything seen in the hair market. Inspired by the power of nature, it creates graphic chromaticities, ranging from strong colour contrasts to more subtle, sophisticated tones on the length of the hair while ensuring no regrowth issues.
“The Imprinter is still a baby in my opinion. In fact, we are now in the process of redesigning it and improving its performance and aesthetics. I am working on new patterns now that I hope will inspire hairdressers to go above and beyond the everyday hair style,” he says on the low-maintenance hair coloring technique that combines Ombre and Balayage using a specially-designed transparent adhesive strip.
“I want to encourage others to try something different, yet still beautiful and elegant. Sometimes your invention can go viral overnight, or it can take 20 years for the trend to really stick.”
Recently, Kim Kardashian West wore the look using his colouring tehcnique, done by hairstylist Chris Appleton.
“Like any hair tool on the market, you need the initial knowledge or training. You might only need one hour to get comfortable using it and after that it will be second nature. I would recommend practicing a lot and watching tutorials online. There is a basic technique as a base, however you can make it your own and try new things once you are happy with your progress and keen to push the boundaries a bit!”
Nocturnal Collection
Creativity
He’s gained a worldwide reputation and continues to inspire hairdressers globally. His passion for hair is evidently seen in his work, creating new shapes and textures and constantly pushing the boundaries of what a hairstylist can do.
“I think it’s just the way I am!” the Italian hairstylist says on maintaining that level of creativity. “I am a very intuitive person and I love to observe and to be curious. These three elements together will always keep you plugged into fashion, the arts and current trends. My brain is always active and generating new ideas. The trick is to keep an open mind and allow the creativity in.”
He also shares that he likes to go backwards and forwards to old hair styles. “Even if I go back in time and re-do a look, it will always have a new twist on it,” he adds.
Long-lasting impression
Seminara shares that the late British hairdresser Leonard Lewis left quite an impression on him during the course of his career. “He has always been one of my idols. To this day, I still admire his work and of course, all of his students are now exceptional hairdressers!”
Advice
“Follow your passion and surround yourself with amazing positive artists,” Seminara shares. “Believe in your dreams and follow your heart. If you pursue your goals, you will never be disappointed.”
What’s next for Seminara?
The Founder and Creative Director just recently opened his first salon, ‘Angelo Seminara Hair Salon’, in Knightsbridge, London.
“Also, to let you in on a little secret, I am working on a new hair tool which I hope to launch in 2021. This will completely revolutionize the world of professional hair colouring,” he says.
Last words?
“I think we all have a responsibility to do better for our Mother Earth. Try to think of ways to improve your salon’s ethical footprint. It can be changing some of the products you use or switching to an energy saving solution. Get your team members involved and come up with ways you can re-use and re-purpose salon items. Back in the day, when I was fully booked at Trevor Sorbie, sometimes I wouldn’t even use the hairdryer on my client. I would take my time with the cut and when the hour was up, the client’s hair was dry and naturally styled. Imagine how much energy we can save if everyone did this once or twice a day! Some food for thought,” he concludes.
Founder and Creative Director: Angelo Seminara
Instagram account; @seminaraangelo and @angeloseminara_hair
@angeloseminara_hairsalon
Facebook Account: Angelo Seminara
Credits
Images: Angelo
Interview: Romy
Editor: Samar
MOONLIGHT
Hair: Angelo Seminara
Artistic Director: Angelo Seminara
Makeup: Laura Dominique
Styling: Niccolo Torell
Photography: Andrew O’Toole
Colour Concept: Angelo Seminara, assisted by Takashi Kurokawa
NOCTURNAL
Hair: Angelo Seminara
Photography: Andrew O’Toole
Artistic Director: Angelo Seminara
Makeup: Laura Dominique
Styling: Niccolo Torelli
Colour Concept: Angelo Seminara
Hair Colour: Angelo Seminara and Takashi Kurokawa
NOCTURNAL USING GOLDWELL
Photography: Andrew O’Toole
Hair: Angelo Seminara using Goldwell
Artistic Director: Angelo Seminara
Makeup: Laura Dominique
Styling: Niccolo Torelli
Colour Concept: Angelo Seminara
Hair Colour: Angelo Seminara and Takashi Kurokawa