A journey into the eccentric world of the peculiar and unexpected, INSTYLE embarked on a stranger than fiction inspired editorial with Luke Munn and American Crew by channelling the zeitgeist of the infamous Netflix series, Stranger Things. This cover shoot headlines the 2022 issue of INSTYLE Men, a dedicated title that focuses on editorial, business and product pioneers in the men’s hair space.
Men’s hair specialist and American Crew All-Star winner Luke Munn unleashed his breadth of barber skills all the way from the mullet to the topknot. Working with length and the models’ natural textures, Luke depicted the mysterious world of Stranger Things, with hair that’s youthful, natural and mysteriously lived-in.
We spoke to Luke about this editorial endeavour.
What did you love about the shoot concept inspired by Stranger Things?
I loved the idea of creating this real moody sort of shoot with the lighting and how the shots were framed. We shot photos in a dark room and created this cool shoot, which I think is one of my favourites. I love that we didn’t do a traditional editorial shoot.
What are your favourite go-to American Crew products?
American Crew has such a versatile range of products that all have their differing strong points. In saying that, for years I have always fallen back on two products that I love, American Crew’s Boost Powder and Defining Paste. Currently the new release of the Matte Clay Spray is also doing the rounds and I find myself regularly using this product for a wide range of hairstyles.
What was your favourite look on the shoot and why?
I really enjoyed the double shot. I think having both the guys in frame and allowing that to translate well through the lens works so well. What do your clients love most about American Crew? I think clients love that they can rely on the products to do what they need them to do and allow them to achieve the looks they want. It’s hard to not love such a dominant name in men’s grooming.
What is one your proudest hair moments to date?
There have been some amazing moments in my career so far, but my proudest moment has to be opening my shop, Havachat Barbershop in Adelaide. Going out on my own and building something reflects me both inside and outside of hair.
Who do you look up to in terms of men’s style?
Oh man, that’s tough! You know people will probably have that classic line like ‘I look up to David Beckham’, or something like that, but I think men’s style is currently undergoing a massive shift and I’m just excited to see what’s next. Don’t be the trend, create it! Globally though, I find myself inspired most by the UK and what is being done over there in regards to men’s hairdressing.
If you could pick two products what would they be?
AC Fiber Cream and AC Defining Paste.
What is the biggest motivation for you doing what you do every day?
My family, they’re my biggest motivators! Also, the industry growth in general. I’m motivated by others in the industry constantly pushing the limits and boundaries of what can be achieved and how we perceive ourselves as stylists.
What is it about editorial work you love the most compared to in-salon?
The creative canvas! Editorial work is another world and it allows me as a stylist to really tap into that creative side and try to create something. Anyone who has worked on set before knows there is just something special about being in a room with a great team coming together to create. That feeling at the end of the day when you see the images and the storyboard, it’s special.
Credits:
HAIR: Luke Munn for American Crew
PHOTOGRAPHY: Milos Mlynarik
MAKE UP: Kristyan Low
STYLING: Livia Sharp
CREATIVE DIRECTION: Cameron Pine
For more information visit www.americancrew.com
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