Direct from Fashion Weeks’ most coveted hairstylist
We’re big fans of the less is more approach (especially when it means an extra ten minutes in bed) and happily, so is hair visionary and Wella Professionals Global Creative Director Eugene Souleiman. He’s just about every celebrity’s go-to for a modern sleek do, and the man behind the best tresses at AW17 shows Preen, Ellery and Jeremy Scott. We caught up with the hair maestro to talk low-key styling and celebrating individuality on the catwalk.
How should you update your hair for the new season?
'Less is more this season. Hair should feel like great quality – the less you do to it and the more you take care of it, the better it looks. In terms of styling, the new mood is towards minimalism, like at Acne Studios. Hair was worn down, with a side parting, and swept away from the face. It looks much cooler. Just a blob of mousse, like Wella Professionals EIMI Shape Control combed through the hair feels chic and modern rather than zhuzhy and pretty.'
How has styling changed this season?
'There’s been a real shift towards diversity. There isn’t just one cut of the season now. For me, I love curly haired girls like Mica Arganaraz who has that Jim Morrison kind of choppy bob. You’d never have seen that sort of cut on a girl five years ago because their hair would have been either very long or very short. Catwalk hair has become bespoke so there’s no right or wrong way.'
What has been the impact of social media on styling?
'It’s completely changed how we work and in one sense it’s great because it gives people a platform, but it doesn’t allow a lot of time to create or make mistakes because everything is so public. I use it as a visual medium and follow people like the incredible plus size model Charli Howard, who launched ‘The All Woman Project’ which is all about celebrating women of all shapes and sizes, and all forms of beauty.'
Who’s your favourite model to have in your chair?
'As a man, I love Joan Smalls, but as a muse, both Lili Sumner and Lily Mcmenamy are real characters and I think Cara is a real sweetheart. What makes the great girls great is that they all have a special point of difference, and that’s what many designers and editors find beautiful. My all-time favourite model is Raquel Zimmermann. She’s a dancer, she’s really into photography and she really knows how to get into character – I could watch her work for hours.'