As more men do away with conventional silhouettes and the outdated notion of male or female fashion, we explored this new style of individuality with American Crew stylist Matthew Clarke, on the cover and in the pages of our annual INSTYLE Men magazine. With bold colour, elevated angles, fluidity and layering, we welcomed the new neutral.
Behind the lens, we spoke to Matthew about this editorial approach, as well as the enchantment of editorial work in general, and the drive and dynamism of his colourful life as a modern barber.
What did you love most about the shoot concept?
I loved the deep red background paired with the hyper coloured clothes and use of flowers. I think the softer styling created a cool blend between masculine and feminine, which feels very current for men’s hair and fashion.
What are your favourite go-to American Crew products?
My go to Crew product is Firm Hold Styling Gel, it’s so versatile depending on whether it goes in wet or dry, curly or straight.
What were some of your favourite styles on the shoot and why?
I loved the longer Britpop cut from American Crew’s new Acid collection. The cut can be styled in so many ways, as seen in the collection.
How do you think American Crew is evolving with the needs of men’s hair?
American Crew’s collections have always been forward thinking, not just showcasing emerging styles, but creating the trends for the world to follow. They also uniquely offer a complete range of products for all hair types and styles in men’s grooming. There’s a reason American Crew has been a front runner in men’s hair for nearly 30 years.
What is one of your proudest hair moments to date?
My proudest moment in hair would have to be winning the Mizutani World Cutting Competition’s Edge Award. Seeing my work and name on a global scale like that was definitely a career highlight,
Where do you look for inspiration for men’s style?
I really pride myself of walking my own line when it comes to men’s hair, I find myself more inspired by music, film, art and various subcultures from history then adding my own modern twists on.
Who in the barbering industry inspires you?
Currently I find myself inspired most by other free thinking barbers, ones who like to push boundaries like the punk barbers of BFresh.Studio in Vietnam, or the psychobilly barbers of STM Barber Shop in Thailand.
If you could pick just one American Crew product what would it be?
My desert island barbershop product would be Boost Powder. It’s the easiest product to use for most clients, it can bring out natural texture, give some serious hold or add activated texture. I also think it’s the most diverse American Crew product for a variety of lengths and styles.
What motivates you to do men’s hair on the daily?
Hair is my art. I love that even if I do 12 of the same styles a day, each one will have different challenges and different sections because the canvas is different, so you can never get bored. Plus who doesn’t love hanging out listening to the banter of a barbershop?
What did you love most about the opportunity to style for editorial?
Editorial work is a stylist’s dream, we really get to flex our creative muscles. I love any opportunity to work with other creatives and curate something that’s a completely different aesthetic to a typical barbershop haircut. This particular shoot was so much fun because I got to work with a lot of wet styling, longer lengths and colour!
Credits:
HAIR: Matthew Clarke for American Crew
PHOTOGRAPHY: Milos Mlynarik
MAKE UP: Kristyan Low
STYLING: Livia Sharp
CREATIVE DIRECTION: Cameron Pine
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