WEEK IN MY SHOES

A WEEK IN MY SHOES

Images courtesy of Elizabeth Rita

Salon

HAIRDOTCOM

Location London

Years in business

10

Instagram

@elizabethritamua Hang out with Elizabeth Rita, a London-based hair and makeup pro and HAIRDOTCOM’s Bridal Expert as she shares an epic week in her busy life.

Monday

It’s an early start so it’s good that I happen to be a morning person! I arrive at a swanky hotel and set up in one of their fabulous rooms for filming. My client for the day is the lovely superstar DJ and producer Martin Garrix. He’s very charming and so polite; and this is after he’s just flown in from the Netherlands the night before. I did a very natural look for him and he was delighted. The day is split into some initial filming at the hotel and then we head to a studio where he’s filming with U2 legends Bono and The Edge for their new single We Are the People! I’m not often starstruck but today? Let’s just say it was a very, very cool day.

Tuesday

Today I’m working with one of my favourite clients! I know we shouldn’t have favourites, but Jonas Blue is just so lovely. Jonas is a DJ, songwriter and producer that I’ve worked with for about five or six years now both in the UK and abroad. We’re in North London doing a huge photo shoot with luxury cars and bikes, big lighting rigs, pyrotechnics - the full works! We chat about his look before I try a new hairstyle with a sharp side parting and a slightly textured polished look - he loves it!

Wednesday

Such a fun day! I’m on hair and makeup for the very talented Maisie Peters’ music performance video for her new single with James Bay. It’s being filmed for The Late Late Show with James Corden and will be broadcast after a live interview with Maisie. I created a few moodboards for Maisie in advance as I really wanted to make sure we nailed the hair and makeup, and she was happy with the look before we started

today. She looks flawless with a strong, matte red lip and tousled hair. It ends up being a very long day – music videos usually are, but I love every minute of them. Adrenaline keeps you going – and chocolate, lots and lots of chocolate!

Friday

Today I’m back with photographer Christopher Jeney, alongside Clementine O’Hara an art director and stylist for another photo shoot. It’s a full-on fashion bridal shoot, inspired by the modernday London bride. There are so many weddings coming up

in the next year and I really hope that this shoot inspires a lot of brides. Those who want to look cool and chic but still have a few traditional bits thrown in, like a veil. I love what we’ve all created! We end the shoot with a lovely glass of champers to celebrate – it is Friday after all!

Elizabeth’s advice

“I know everyone says work really hard, which is obvious but also I would say be available and be your best self on every job. Also, reach out to established session stylists and ask if you can assist them; it’s much easier to do now because of social media.”

Thursday

I have to say photo shoots are one of my favourite parts of my job and today’s shoot is for Benoit, a fabulous milliner from Provence. Christopher Jeney is the photographer and he has his own studio in his house and creates such relaxed vibes! The shoot focuses on a fashion bridal collection, so it’s right up my street, and we’ve got a beautiful, elegant model. Today is all about showcasing the hats and hair bands so the hair and makeup I create is simple, clean, and beautiful. I can’t wait to see the final shots!

Saturday

It’s an unusually late start for my bride at the Dorchester today. Such a lovely, relaxed bride, with a small wedding party. I love doing bridal hair and makeup and making someone feel like a celebrity for a day is all part of the service.

Sunday

And breathe! Today is a day of rest after a very busy week.