Creative Head UK September 2020

With the future of fashion in the balance post Covid-19, Sam remains
hopeful that fashion will continue to make its essential strides forward. “I
hope it will continue to proceed in the most creative way. Without fear and by
embracing the new guidelines, which are a step in the right direction for beauty
teams backstage,” he explains. “I’m looking forward to being with friends and
colleagues again – working alongside my team who have been with me for a
long time.”
One of those artists is Valerie Benavides, who has worked in Sam’s core team
for more than 12 years. That camaraderie, that trust, paired with the creativity
of being at the forefront of trend making is what captures her imagination
season after season. “Some shows I love for the opportunity to travel, others
for the prep and team camaraderie. Nothing brings you together or solidifies
friendships quite like working until 2am, eating pizza and jelly sweets while
making hair croissants or tweed ponytails,” she recalls. “Even packing the
show kit of 16 enormous cases makes you see people for who they are and
appreciate them immensely!”
CREATIVE HEAD ADVERTORIAL
“Hair and beauty
continues to provide
that aspirational
escapism”
VALERIE BENAVIDES
Ralph & Russo A/W20
Ralph & Russo A/W20
“The look of a show can
send ripples through the
next few seasons”
SAM MCKNIGHT
Valerie Benavides
CREATIVE HEAD
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