Schwarzkopf Professional is focussed on bringing fresh seasonal ideas, vigour and energy to commercial salon work. Direct from catwalk inspiration, Essential Looks brings you the Eclectic Collection for autumn/winter 2008-09:
Country Life, Eccentric Vintage, Gothic Romance and Sculptured Form.

The creative minds behind Essential Looks and the Eclectic Collection give salon hairdressers a window on the world of catwalk fashion and an ‘access all areas’ pass to what’s truly hot in hair.

Steve Hogan, Creative Director for Schwarzkopf Professional Essential Looks says “I’m excited about the Eclectic Collection because it’s populated by wearable and beautiful shapes and tones that have great commercial application. Essential Looks is our enduring commitment to placing fashion driven skills directly into the hands of hair professionals around the world. After 11 years of capturing the latest fashion trends, The Eclectic Collection is our best yet.”

Country Life – Hair is light and effortless to offset the fashion trend of rich tweed, velvet and plaid fabrics with movable textures that are easily ruffled by a fresh breeze, and short styles worn in earthy tones. Shine is key, with vitality and wellbeing bursting from every follicle, meaning lustrous, touchable hair, with a finish that’s naturally radiant and fresh from the countryside.

Eccentric Vintage – Romantic styles (braids and loose hair dressings), and colours (soft titians and brunettes), given a contemporary edge – think ‘attitude ponytails’ picked out with daring colour. Utterly feminine, yet strong and modern, this look is all about finding the precious in surprising collusions of colour, shape and texture.

Gothic Romance – Summed up by Alexander McQueen’s Victorian Punk dresses in black lace and tulle, this look sees concoctions of texture mixing rough with smooth, and vibrant colours set amidst dark tones. Luxurious condition emphasises the aristocratic air of the trend, with glossy finishes counterbalancing tousled touches, and multi-toned crimping.

Sculptured Form – Electronic music and fashion’s modish Eighties aesthetic, precision is thrust into the spotlight, with super sharp tailoring and minimal silhouettes. This new geometric approach to fashion plays though in hair with strong graphic haircuts and colours. A neutral palette adds confidence to geo-crops and fierce shaping, while the edges bear strong lines and precise placements.

The ESSENTIAL LOOKS team for A/W 2008-09 was led by Global Editorial Ambassador Massimo di Stefano who says “This year I see a return to more shaped hair, so for the Eclectic Collection I have created a selection of haute couture looks that have a prêt-a-porter appeal. As a session hairdresser and image consultant, I want to bring creativity to Schwarzkopf Professional whilst keeping it accessible to everyone.”