EIRIK THORSEN BLOG: November 2010

November 23, 2010

British Hairdressing Awards 2010 / British Hairdresser of the Year 2010 Winner / Angelo Seminara

Angelo Seminara is one of the most inspirational hairdressers of his generation. He won HJ's 2007 British Hairdresser of the Year with a collection that was different to anything that had been seen before. His vision, imagination and eye to detail was exceptional - a far cry from his beginnings as a barber at the age of 11 in his hometown in Italy.town in Italy.

He set his sights on another visionary stylist: Trevor Sorbie and decided to move to England. "Trevor's constant innovation was fascinated me. I found his work totally inspirational. I contacted him at a time when my English left a lot to be desired, but he still took a gamble on me and the rest is history."

Over the years, Angelo has become known for his creative flair, but being nominated for British wasn't even on his radar. "Entering awards wasn't one of my ambitions. I always thought they were a fun, but they weren't my ultimate goal. However, once I was nominated, I got a taste for the buzz it gives, and each year I wait with trepidation hoping that I have been nominated. I work really hard and am passionate about hairdressing, I think other people in the industry recognise that."

So, how would he describe the past year? "I feel like Tom Hanks in the film The Terminal - my life has been one round of worldwide airports. I have worked for Italian, Chinese, Turkish and Spanish Vogue; taken part in shoots for Vanity Fair in Spain and Korea; worked for Harpers Bazaar UK and Spain, plus Dazed and Confused in the UK."

All this on top of running a busy column - surely the future will be calmer? "The New Year brings a new challenge for me. I have been appointed art director of Davines and will be responsible for its imagery, shows, seminars, education and collections. It is very exciting, the beginning of a new era."