KMS invited stylists from around the country to SUNSTUDIOS in Sydney for a Weekender event, with an international line up and 24 hours for those educators to truly inspire all attendees. The KMS Guest Artist Line Up comprising Daniel Bruns (Berlin), Claire Wilson (London), Ali Holmes (Sydney) and Emily Olsson (Melbourne) educated in styling and cutting, while also introducing the group to new brand innovations for 2019 and 2020 and training in backstage styling secrets ahead of Fashion Week. If that won’t ignite your hairdressing passion, nothing will.
The rooms were themed as KMS’ inspiration cities (Miami, Cape Town and Copenhagen), think swaying palms, neon signs and pink flamingos on the main stage for that Miama vibe, pastel surf boards showcasing South Africa’s beachy city and coloured bicycles becoming Copenhagen. European looks and demo styles attributed to key Aussie cities also brought the global flavour. Other studios in the space hosted in hands on styling and cutting workshops with local and global brand artists.
Carrying on the international theme delegates followed this education by partying on a Hamptons style boat on the Sydney harbour, finishing with a dazzling fireworks show. It was a day to learn, network with an awesome community and be truly inspired by global leaders in their field. We took the opportunity to chat to one of those leaders, KMS Global Education Leader Claire Wilson during her stay in Sydney from London. Read on!
Tell us about you role as KMS Global Education Leader?
My role is to create the strategy for KMS global education, then work closely with our education team and our key stylists around the world to bring it to life in a commercial way through physical classes or online sessions. It’s also to work with marketing and our chemists on concepts and product development from start to launch.
What have been some career highlights with KMS in the past (almost) 30 years?
I’ve travelled the world with KMS over the years. I’ve seen lots of places and met some amazing people. I’ve worked out of offices in London, Frankfurt and LA and been part of shows with up to 3,000 people – so it’s really hard to choose only one or two career highlights. I’ve been very lucky. I hope it shows young people thinking of a career in Hairdressing that anything is possible.
What are you looking forward to while you’re in Australia?
I love Australia and I’ve visited here many times with KMS over the years, so just to be back is great but mostly I love to see our Australian branch of the global style community growing. The stylists and salon owners are so passionate and open to learning and sharing new things. We doubled our numbers this year at the KMS Weekender event.
What will be your involvement over the weekend?
My involvement this weekend is to share a couple of our top secret product launches scheduled for 2020. One of the great things about being part of the KMS Weekender event is that you get a ‘sneak peak’ at what’s coming before the rest of the country. I’ll also co host the session on our latest Campaign haircuts with Ali Holmes.
What are your top tips for hairdressers?
The two most important things for salon stylists are: consultation is everything, and be active on social media. Beyond that, the day you think you know everything, it’s time to hang up your scissors. While I believe the basics stay the same, fashion and trends move so fast. There are always new things to learn, so stay up to date.
For more information visit www.kms.com
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