Angelo Seminara is a name synonymous with the highest caliber of gorgeous imagery. As pretty much anyone in the industry will tell you, his work is absolutely awe-inspiring. He has a style that is stunningly beautiful yet so uniquely his. We were extremely honored to have the opportunity to ask Angelo a few questions about his career and inspirations, and as Artistic Director for Davines and three-time British Hairdresser of the Year, there was a lot to talk about.
If you could talk to yourself much earlier in your career, what advice would you give your younger self?
Embrace all aspects of the industry, learn from industry icons, assimilate the knowledge you gain and choose your own path forward.
What was your most humbling moment as an artist?
Winning the British Hairdresser of the Year Award… three times.
How do you think modern technology and social media are influencing the industry? Is this positive?
Modern technology has sped up the whole process of sharing ideas and styles with a wider audience all over the world. The more we can share, the more we can all raise our standards.
What drew you to hairdressing? In other words, what caused that ‘love’ at first sight” captivation?
I began my career as a salon trainee in my native home town of Calabria, in Italy. Five years later, I went to Rome to work with Toni&Guy. Fueled by ambition, passion, and a hunger to see and learn more, to experiment and express my creativity, I went to London to work for Trevor Sorbie, where I stayed for 15 years as International Creative Director.
I love hairdressing and if you love something in life, you automatically become loyal and truthful to it. Hairdressing is my passion, through good and bad times and I always stick with it. Every day, I look forward to my job – hair is my passion. For me, it is important to be original and to have lots of ideas to choose from.
Where there other careers you considered before hairdressing? What other creative avenues do you see yourself taking in the future?
When I was very young, I wanted to become a vet. I love animals and wanted to rescue and save them. In the future, I will still be doing editorial work, exhibition work and hair shows all over the world. I would also love to help the hairdressing industry by creating more eco-sustainable products and tools. I would also love to build a unique team who is capable of doing anything.
What are your favorite aspects about being in the industry?
The variety of the work, shoots, shows, session work, clients, visiting far flung shores and coming up with unique inspiration.
Your collections all have such a distinct style to them that says ‘this’ was Angelo Seminara. What is the creative process like to get there?
I am self inspired, but femininity is the key to my work. I also take inspiration from nature. A signature look reflects your brand and personality. It means you will attract clients and jobs from people who want what you have to offer. My clients come to me because they want something different, feminine and a cut that will last for six months.
Do previous collections influence the next?
Each collection is one step on from the last; one needs to continually strive to embrace what is happening in the fashion and beauty world and come up with a vision that is one step ahead all the time.
How did you know Davines was the perfect fit for you?
Davines has a sustainable beauty ethic; its products are made from high-quality, natural ingredients which pay great respect to the environment, and its beauty concept is all about the balance of substance and shape. The type of work that I create (and the hairdressers who work with the brand) show styles inspired by simplicity, harmony and good taste. We believe in sustainable beauty based on respect and appreciation for everyone’s individuality and using Davines product is the perfect way to help express people’s uniqueness.
Davines has an inspirational vision that reflects a curiosity and openness about the world – different cultures, customs, and people. Of course as an Italian brand, its heritage is rooted in history and art, design and fashion, culture and lifestyle. Very much like my signature imagery, its products, imagery and ethics are based on simplicity and harmony in tune with today’s concept of modern beauty.
What, in your opinion, are the big consumer trends right now? How can they apply editorial work like yours into their daily routines?
Commercial hair trends stand shoulder-to-shoulder with fashion, so right now it’s loose, relaxed and very easy to wear - and easy on the eye. I like to see beautiful hair in great, glossy, supple condition.
Which non-hair related areas do you find yourself constantly being inspired by?
Nature and all natural forms. Animals and flowers give wonderful inspiration. The fabrics and shapes of fashions for the coming season.
Who has influenced you most in your career? In life?
I would say Trevor Sorbie, Eugene Souleman and Sevaggio. I also looked up to Robert Lobetta, Vidal Sassoon and Leonard. Working with Trevor for 15 years was a profound experience. Trevor managed to build a small, but very consistent empire where quality standards and hairdressing excellence, in all its forms, remain the focus. He has inspired the entire hairdressing industry all over the globe, mentoring many of today’s top hairdressers.
What mark would you like to leave on the industry to be passed on to future generations of stylists?
I would love to leave some advice:
You must love hairdressing. When you love something in life, you automatically become loyal and truthful to it. Hairdressing is my passion, through good and bad times and I always stick with it. Every day I look forward to my job. I always say to young people thinking of becoming a hairdresser that they must have tremendous passion for hair and a burning desire to become the best you can be. Be a sponge. learn as much as you can, be focused, have fun, find your hero. Most of all, keep your mind open. Things don’t always finish where they appear to. You must believe there is always more to be discovered. It’s all about working and playing hard.
Of course, we wanted to ask a few quick & fun questions too....
Favourite food? Italian and Japanese Fusion.
Favourite movie? The Motorcycle Diaries.
Favourite destination? London, because it means I’m heading home to my wife and family.
Favourite sport? Swimming.
Be sure to "Stalk" Angelo Seminara on Bangstyle and on to see all of his incredible hair art and stay up-to-date on his latest collections.