KMS California Session Stylist Search 2010

[Tue 27/07/2010 04:52:34]

The winner of the KMS California Session Stylist Search 2010 has been revealed as none other than Barney Gleeson from Lee Preston Hairdressing in Western Australia.

KMS California

Barney wins a trip to sunny California, the home of KMS, where he will attend the KMS California Academy in Santa Monica to study editorial styling at a three-day workshop with KMS International Artistic Director Edwin Johnston, from Canada.

Barney’s victory was no mean feat – and it was by no means an easy decision for the judges. The other two finalists were Matt Minol from Sfumato Hair (TAS) and Peter Leighton from Shibui (VIC) who also produced exceptional styling and beautiful results – but this was a competition, and there could only be one winner.

Barney’s triumph was revealed at an intimate dinner attended by the competition judges who included Clive Allwright, KMS International Artistic Director, Louise Chamberlain, Goldwell / KMS Marketing Director, Oyster Magazine Editor Monica Nakata and Cameron Pine, Editor of INSTYLE.

The dinner was held at swanky Sydney institution, Rockpool Bar and Grill, where judges and finalists alike toasted to Barney’s success – though for Matt and Peter, having had the experience of session styling in the studio with Andrew O’Toole was enough to feel like a winner – especially considering the three finalists were picked from over 140 entries.

Earlier that day, Barney, Matt and Peter, who had flown from separate corners around Australia to arrive in Sydney for the Finalists’ segment of the competition, converged on Sun Studios in Alexandria where they each showcased their finest session styling work.

Each finalist was required to provide their own interpretation of the brief laid out by Oyster Magazine – a modern adaptation of the ‘90s Glamazon Aesthetic.

Under the direction of Oyster, using a professional team and models supplied by KMS California, the finalists created two styles – a brushed out, textured look with lift at the roots allowing for shape and movement, and their individual interpretation of a side plait – ensuring the hair showed continuity and texture.

KMS California was searching for someone with the passion and creativity to create fashion-savvy catwalk looks and cutting-edge fashion shoots – and Barney fit the bill.

Showcasing his session styling work like a consummate professional, Barney – and the other finalists – were supported by an impressive team including uber-photographer Andrew O’Toole, renowned Make Up Artist Natasha Severino and fashion stylist Imogene Barron.

It’s amazing to be shooting with Andrew O’Toole,” said Barney, during the finalists shoot. “I’m feeling nervous excitement. I’m not nervous because I’m being judged for a competition – it’s more that there are all these elements coming together, from the makeup to the styling to the model and the hair – and my main priority is to give Andrew something great to shoot.”

Seems he did exactly that! Congratulations to Barney, and to his fellow finalists!

www.kmscalifornia.com.au