Estetica Magazine UK (1/2024)

Eugene used Triple X Gel to
create a high shine,
followed by Brilliant Gloss
spray to give the hair a
plastic-like appearance.
Estetica: How was your experience
working at London Fashion Week for
Simone Rocha?
Eugene Souleiman: “It’s been absolutely
amazing. I admire her as an incredible
designer with a global perspective. Her
immense talent inspired me to create a
unique ‘hair language’ for her vision. It’s a
challenge I thrive on in my career.”
What do you enjoy the most about
working backstage here?
“I find the blending of fashion, music, and
everything in between exhilarating. It’s like
they all collide and feed off each other at
different times. The pressure backstage is
something I thrive on, while embracing the
fear of the unknown drives me forward
creatively.”
What was your main focus for the
hair in the show?
“Simone provided me with illustrations of
Queen Victoria, and I immersed myself in
them along with references to her
clothing. Considering the Victorian era’s
hair coils and the potential squashing
effect of hats, I envisioned the hair as if it
had been worn and then compressed. We
aimed to replicate the texture of hair under
these conditions by using Keune’s Triple X
gel for shine and Salt Mist for a dry,
weathered look. The ultimate goal was to
create a hairstyle that embodied the
memory of being worn under a balaclava,
achieving a laminated appearance, while
emphasizing the importance of capturing a
natural, human quality.”
Which Keune Haircosmetics products
helped bring the look to life?
To achieve the desired textures and
effects, we utilized several Keune
Haircosmetics products. For the centre
parting in the front, we used Triple X Gel
to create a high shine, followed by
Brilliant Gloss spray to give it a plasticlike
appearance. To create the dry,
weathered curls, we applied Salt Mist
spray, then deliberately squashed the hair
to achieve an imperfect braid,
incorporating pieces of hair throughout.
Finally, we used the High Impact hairspray
to further compress and laminate the hair.
Why is it important for hairdressers to
keep up to date with fashion weeks?
“Fashion shows offer a glimpse into
what’s currently fashionable, inspiring us
to experiment with textures and
techniques. Trying out new skills helps us
refine our craft, even if we don’t use them
all in our everyday work.”
What advice would you give session
stylists?
“Explore your craft, enjoy the journey, and
never stop learning. Mastery takes time
and effort, and it’s crucial to be versatile
in your skills. Progression is essential,
staying stagnant means falling behind, so
continuously challenge yourself, stay
inspired, and always be willing to learn.”
How do you come up with such
creative ideas?
“Being highly self-critical, both technically
and creatively, and understanding your
role in a broader cultural concept is
critical. Without it innovation is unlikely.
Exploring hair concepts is good, but why
not also read poetry, listen to music, or be
active? Trying new things and conversing
with intriguing individuals can be deeply
inspiring. Personally, travel is one of my
most inspiring activities, allowing me to
experience new cultures.”
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