Face/Off 2009 with Arthur Galan AG

The head is a canvas, open to the creation of many masterpieces by hair stylists. Some make it up as they go, others are structured in their pursuit, but if the American Crew 09/10 Face Off had anything to say on the matter, when it comes to hair fashion, there are no rules.

American Crew, provider of grooming products for men, holds an Australian Face/Off competition each year, putting stylists to the test, on how to create looks for locks using the American Crew products.

This year there were 600 entrants and only 20 finalists made it through, with only 3 of these entrants to be chosen as winners in February next year. Featured salons in the competition included Toni and Guy, Hair Machine, Biba, Raw Element and Lady Marmalade, with Victorians dominating the crème de la bunch of the 20 finalists.

At one stage, it was all about doing the Zac Efron, but now, it seems that anything goes, with hair fashion making its own individual statements. There were textured curls, sharp edges, creative quiffs, classic cuts, slick and structured styles, and disconnected movement going from short to long with no blending. While there wasn’t a particular style which dominated the board, the 80s quiff was a popular look, bringing back preppy, with the only reoccurring look being naturally coloured hair.

Each style was carefully tended to, achieving tailored cuts and groomed styles – even those that looked like bed-head involved time, effort, and American Crew. According to Nick Smith, editor of GQ magazine, ‘men, just like women, benefit from looking good, making them feel confident about themselves’, with the event showcasing prepped and primed men looking fine.

In conjunction with Face/Off, Arthur Galan showcased his current collection of his own fashion forward trends, for the self-aware male and female who want to look their best with their carefully maintained tresses.
Tailored suits with lapels trimmed in contrasting colours, shirts with piping, waistcoats, jeans and bow ties all appeared in the collection. Galan’s colour palette was predominately classic with black and white, and light and fresh greys for summer. However, he also teamed up intense colours on particular pieces, clashing colours and patterns in selected outfits. And hello boys of summer! who wore multicoloured board shorts, brightening up an already hot beach. Shorts and tapered cargos were also a strong look for the men’s line.

For the women, Galan showcased gunmetal maxi dresses, a strapless, black jumpsuit, green, mini, origami dress, and flowy red kimono dress, looking sophisticated and summery.