The first Rush After Dark session of 2023 took place recently at the inspiring Rush Academy where Rush salons attended to meet the Rush Art, Session, Colour and Education teams who presented looks that ranged from salon friendly cuts and colours to Avant Garde and editorial work.
The evening got off to an exciting start when Co-Founder Stell Andrew spoke about their new partnership with The Kao Corporation and welcomed General Manager for Kao Salon Division UK & Ireland, Julie Winchester to take the floor who echoed Stell’s sentiments highlighting the exciting year ahead for the partnership between the two brands.
“All of us at Kao Salon are so proud to have RUSH back onboard. Our long-standing, firm friendship, and support for one another marks the start of the most successful and talked about partnerships in the industry. We’re so proud to have joined Stell, Andy and the RUSH team at the RUSH Academy for their inspirational After Dark event presented by the group’s award-winning Art Team. Bringing together team members from across the salons for a night of creativity and inspiration, it was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our new partnership and we’re really excited for an exciting year ahead!”
Julie Winchester, General Manager, Kao Salon Division UK & Ireland
Mitch Lucas of Goldwell also added how strong the bond between the two companies has always been and Co-Founder Andy Phouli wrapped up this section by saying what an incredible start to the year the salons had, and 2023 is going to be Rush’s best year ever!
Rush International Art Director, Andy Heasman was brought on stage and a short video introduced the latest member of the Rush team to be inducted as a member of the Rush Art Team. A very surprised Sophie Chandler who had worked with Rush since she was a Saturday girl aged 15 was brought on stage to cheers and applause for Andy to welcome Sophie to the Art Team and tell the audience a little more about her incredible journey from Saturday girl to leading her own team at London Fashion Week.
The informal and immersive evening started, with the audience being able to get up close to the team who were based around the room. Kirsty Judge and Tina Memhi both members of the Rush Colour Team demonstrated salon friendly techniques that elevated the haircuts by clever colour placement. Head of Assistant Education and Art Team member, Michael Rackett cut the most stunning brunette box bob (which Kirsty had previously coloured), showcasing the strength of a haircut and his technical approach to it. Sophie Chandler created a stunning editorial look adding in black braid and chopsticks to complete the look. New Workshop Team member Nicole Appadu also demonstrated an intricate Avant Garde look using different sized plaits to create a standout long haired style reflective of the work the team have created previously at Fashion Week.
Tina Farey creates homage to Vivienne Westwood
The evening finished by Editorial Director Tina Farey taking centre stage. Her model was a homage to the late Vivienne Westwood with a nod to John Galliano.
“Vivienne Westwood was an incredible influence on me. She was a Punk, loved the classics and was a disrupter who fought for the causes she believed in,” said Tina. “She has left a tremendous legacy and along with one of her close friends, John Galliano, has been instrumental in shaping the fashion industry. I want to celebrate them both with this look.”
Tina certainly didn’t disappoint. The look epitomised both designers from the victory rolls used to create the shape to the back combed almost quiff like top area to the newspaper accessories that echoed the stunning Galliano prints from the early 90s and the powdered effect the coloured pale blue and pink spray added – this look reflected couture looks of the 90s in a contemporary way.
The last word goes to Rush Academy Director, Adam Bryant.
“What an incredible night. It was fantastic to see so many Rush team members here to network and learn from their colleagues. The work the team showcased was on point and I’m sure the attendees have lots to take back to their salons. The range of work was so diverse, and it shows our younger team what can be achieved by attending the courses we offer at the Academy. I can’t wait for the next one.”
Images @thecontentcreators for Kao Salon
