Recently, the hair, art and fashion event titled Noise took over Shanghai, as the alternative hair show dynasty inspired abroad through the work of global artists.
The hair show is billed as a non-branded, non-profit and non-corporate platform that allows creative ideas to flourish, spearheaded by UK hairdresser Richard Ashforth from Saco Hair. Amidst a host of global talents, Australia’s own award-winning, editorial leader Dee Parker Attwood from Wieselmann Salon wowed the crowd with “editorial, clever, highly worked hair”.
Established in 2012 in London, this was Noise’s fourth iteration in Shanghai, with the Chinese event pioneered by long-time friends and collaborators, Richard and Robbie Weijung Liu from Henkel Beauty Care. The event was hosted at KOR, a club venue in Shanghai, and saw teams create and showcase inspiring performances and looks, including heads wrapped in hair bandages, laser lit hairpieces, 1000 hour beaded wigs – which were destroyed in minutes – and much more. The presenters showcased these looks again the next day in a more intimate seminar to educate on their artistic processes.
Presenters and teams included Richard and Sam Han from Saco International in the UK, Andrey Krupchinsky from the Ukraine, Peter Gray from PG ZOO in the USA, Andy Wong from Eros in Taiwan, Robbie Liu from PROVI in China and Dee’s work representing Australia.
“It’s a collaboration of some of the best in the world given free range to do any hair direction of their choice in a 15 minute show to music,” Dee explained, with this show being her second Noise presentation after Seoul, Korea in 2022. “The education is purely one of inspiration! We are given creative freedom to express ourselves and the only agenda given is to inspire and have fun.”
The show consisted of hours of prep work including costume creation, beauty concepts and a rehearsal, as well as arduous hair prep. Dee enlisted Melbourne DJ Paris Wells to mix her music track and had a digital consultant as well. It all amounted to a darker, glamorous showcase, with headlining crystal work and innovative hair designs.
“The first night show was all about entertainment and putting on a show,” Dee shared. “The music was loud and the lights were bright. It was a truly magical affair. The seminar was a lot smaller and all artists broke down their creations and really stripped the designs back to show hairdressers exactly how to achieve them. This is a close look into the creative process and participants hear from the artists about who and what inspires them.”
“Noise Shanghai this year was a cathartic moment for me – a return to the crowded and intimate environment where Noise is most at home and a reaffirmation of what defines the Noise spirit,” Richard added. “For Shanghai ‘23 we brought together names old and new to present what became an incredible journey of creativity. From a delicate and sublime beginnings to a pop-art pandemonium finish, we had everything in between. Australian artists are always a colourful welcomed contribution and Dee was a crowd-pleaser.”
Dee’s upcoming agenda will continue to consist of international travel, with Dee travelling to New Zealand in her role as National Ambassador for Schwarzkopf Professional.
“Now that I am home and recovered, it’s straight on to my next projects. Jen Morgan and I will be showcasing the new Essential Looks collections in both Auckland. We will also present some creative models, which is my greatest love, so I am busy preparing for that. Plus, in August it’s Brisbane fashion week and I am the Hair Director for the whole week, with five shows and up to 23 models a day. It’s huge, but it’s my happy place,” she said.
As for Noise, both Richard has teased the possibility of bringing the experience back Down Under sometime soon. Watch this space.
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