Edward Paul and Daniel Lassman of Capelli d'Oro
Photography by Daniel Lassman
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The gala affair was accentuated with stunning creations of hair artistry that left no creative stone unturned, ranging from neo-punk to classic sleek couture. This show had it all - from fantastic concept cutting by Richard Brassfield, R.J. Jones, Sasha LeBeau, Patty Sever, and special guest Peter Lee, to the artistic visions of Michael Hall. To put an exclamation mark on the hair offerings, Tina Bueche, of Synapse 206, provided some resplendent visions in high fashion clothing. The fashions that Ms. Bueche provided, truly added some fire to the already smoldering looks that were revealed to the packed house. Despite the 75 degree weather, the ballroom at the Bellevue, Washington Hilton was packed with stylists, salon owners, artists and students. The atmosphere was electric as Marv Smith, fit and younger than his years, came out from behind the curtains and introduced his crew.
RJ Jones: "This show started out as a way for the old Visions team to get together, particularly with Peter Lee. It kind of grew to this on its own. It's been a lot of fun and we look forward to doing it again in, say, another twenty years."
Assisted by Stacy Barrow, Marv and the crew performed some deft magic with chignons, braids and buns. The hair was sculpted close to the face with strong side parts and the nape held a variety of delicious surprises, all demonstrated before a rapt audience. There were at least eight people, including our own Daniel Lassman, circling the stage to photograph and videotape. Models appeared onstage in tangerine sarongs, plastique purple concoctions, little black dresses and a particularly stunning red explosion of a gown - all from local Seattle designers.
Vikki Lotz, the "nuts and bolts guy" with Alternative Salon Products: "Young people in our industry need to find their heroes. The big manufactures have pushed aside our need for different fashion looks, solid techniques and role models. This show means that we are creating our own hair heroes in the State of Washington, we don't have to travel to get close to them."
After another detailed cutting exposition by the team, in what is usually the slower middle of every show, Marty Schalk of Band of Brotherz stepped onto the stage with his Dean Markley Flying V guitar, slashing and cutting through the afternoon daze with hard hellacious riffs. Marty shoveled pure metal adrenaline over under sideway and down across the cheering audience while male models with Daft Punk hair and dreadlocks took the stage. Marv Smith; "This is the first show in over twenty years together in front of the home town crowd. New York, Detroit, Los Angeles are all fun shows, but this one is special."
The first model came out covered head to toe in black robes and hood. The hood was removed to reveal a white mask. Her hair was done up by Michael Hall and his assistants in an organic shower of twigs all bound by ribbons. Heavy silver drops of drums and coiling music filled the room as Mr. Hall swept her mask and robe away to reveal an icon in a russet silk and jade gown.
The models were dressed in robes so elaborate and hairstyles so mythical, the eye could not take it all in. The effect was that of goddesses set loose in the room - escapees from an Akira Kurosawa dreamscape or the gathering of Queen Amidala's courtesans.
Peter Lee: "It's been about twenty-five years since the Visions team has worked together. We are a little rusty: this was a great experience, but our next show will be tighter."
At the shows conclusion, there was a cocktail party hosted by Rhonda Young of Alternative Products to allow the attendees to mix with and meet the artists. The stylists and models were mobbed for quite a while by an appreciative audience. Some called the show an instant classic that will be recalled whenever conversation about favorite hair shows occurs. It was certainly all of that. Rhonda Young, owner of Alternative Salon Products: "This was an amazing show. The work was impressive, the styles and cuts precise, and its wonderful to go back to basics and really enjoy being hairdressers. The next show is going to be in a bigger venue. Perhaps Snoqualmie Casino or the like would hold the crowd we can expect at that show."
Alternative Salon Concepts The Hair Lounge: www.hairlounge.com Michael Hall: www.michaelhall.com Couture Clothing by Synapse206: Synapse206: www.synapse206.com Interview By Edward Paul and Daniel Lassman of Capelli d'Oro ©2009 |
Marv Smith of Seattle salon the Hair Lounge, along with Alternative Salon Products, presented the Muk-Ups in a show that paid homage to a stage full of all-stars. The Hilton Hotel in Bellevue, Washington, hosted the event which re-united a team of hairdressers who are - as individuals - brilliant artisans, but collectively, are a creative force: the legendary Visions Team.
The models, ensconced in Robert-Palmer-video makeup of dark eyes and blood-red lipstick against pale dusted skin, moved with captivating tempos to throbbing trance music.
The show's finale was a breathtaking exposition by Michael Hall, who presented his creations of startling clarity which seemed plucked from every era and culture. 
When all of Michael Hall's astounding creations strode onto the runway, the audience stood and cheered, some standing on their seats. 