In the film adaptation of the best-selling book The Devil Wears Prada, Meryl Streep portrayed the editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly of fictional fashion magazine, Runway.
As you’re probably aware, the novel, written by Lauren Weisberger, was loosely based on the author’s dramas as a former assistant of American Vogue queen bee Anna Wintour. The film and book both quickly became firm favourites with fashionistas everywhere.
Hairdressing’s rising star Joel Phillips claims Streep’s snow white and semi-architectural sweeping do is iconic and one of his favourites.
“It was so good!” he enthuses, at Brad Ngata’s Surry Hills salon in a quick break between clients.
Working as an apprentice for two years now, Phillips had previously worked as a make-up artist before deciding on a career in hair. A hair stylist with experience in make-up will no doubt be invaluable on potential session shoots as they will have a well-rounded vision of the complete look.
“I wanted to do a lot more work and I was interested in hair,” he tells myhairdressersearch. “I wanted to gain more experience in the industry.”
The Sydney apprentice already has an impressive list of career highlights under his belt. He assisted Australian hairdressing great Kevin Murphy at last year’s fashion week in Melbourne. Phillips admires the work of Kevin Murphy in hair, and he also thinks Rae Morris, published author and make-up director at L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Week, leads the way in make-up.
On an international level, Phillips is inspired by the work of legendary hair stylist Guido Palau. One of the most influential hair stylists in the world, Guido channeled the dynamic buzz of his hometown London into unique, unstructured and avant-garde hairstyles. With a client list featuring the likes of Kate Moss and Emma Balfour, Guido has worked for high-end design houses such as Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Versace and Calvin Klein.
Phillips hopes to one day walk in the shoes of his hero and become a freelance session stylist, traveling the world for his work and rubbing shoulders with the best in the industries of fashion, hair and beauty.
What insights can the up-and-coming hair stylist provide for the hottest looks we’ll see as the weather warms up?
“Hair will be more loose and long. Really texturised.”
The beachy look?
“Yeah, and lots of sea salt,” he smiles. “Especially in Australia.”
Brad Ngata Hair Direction
273-275 Goulburn St
Surry Hills NSW 2010
02 9281-1220
Visit Brad Ngata on the web.
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