A Lesson In The Bold And Bodacious Expression Of Oneself

The role that hair plays in our sense of self is not to be diminished. It’s our personality; our mode of self-expression; our crown. If there is one person who could teach a class on being unapologetic in how to express oneself, it’s Moe. With a sense of rebelliousness from a young age and desire to make a statement set aflame by the punk scene of Northern Ireland in the late 70s, status quo was never her style.

WORDS BY MONA BUTLERPHOTOGRAPHY BY JELENA KOVACEVIC

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Jeans - Top Shop Overshirt - Zara Earrings - Clay Jems by Jo (Local)

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“I was exposed to fashion, music and culture unlike any I had witnessed before. During that time, the U.K. was miles ahead of Canada in terms of fashion and style. Being so close to England when designers like Dame Vivienne Westwood were dominating the punk rock fashion scene, and France where designers like Yves Saint Laurent were shaping the fashion that would become Studio 54 staple looks, had a great influence over my style,” said Moe.

Mentors in Ireland and Edmonton have influenced the detailed and deeply personal approach she takes with each individual who sits in her chair. Personality and precision are paramount. “Here in Edmonton, Marie Mclellan, former owner of Esthetic Hair, taught me the importance of precision and creating a unique look for every client. I still find it incredibly important to ensure that my clients’ haircuts are all tailored to them as individuals.”

At her new studio “SHORT by Moe”, the consultation process is just as important as any tool or product. It’s a learning process for both client and stylist, and an opportunity to foster trust. Face shape, head shape, body type, personal aesthetic, hair growth patterns as well as hair goals all are taken into account. These all play a part in educating the client and setting up clear lines of communication so that the cut can be executed with extreme precision, ensuring that it will look good even after it’s left her care. “Establishing that trust is what affords me the ability to determine the direction of my clients’ hair for their future visits. Most of my long-term clients don’t tell me what they want anymore, they just tell me to do my thing.”

Burgundy Set - Top Shop Gold Sandals - Asos

Earrings - Zara

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Green/Black/Blue Set - Zara Black Heels - Nordstrom’s Earrings - Asos

Pink Satin Dress - Reformation Pink mules - Zara

Earrings - Flavour Upstairs (Victoria, BC)

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Doing her thing is Moe’s specialty; in hair and fashion. Having built her fashion foundation with 70s punk influences, lately, she’s taking cues from African American hip-hop to inspire an unabashed boldness with her style and hair. Adding to the pillars of her personal style, men’s fashion trends have been a greater influence in her wardrobe. Don’t let that fool you into making any traditional male fashion assumptions, however, you’d be hard-pressed to find any neutral tones here. “Other than some black pieces, most of my clothing is very vibrant. I also love structured pieces and unusual shapes. I love wearing monochromatic looks, especially all pink and green.”

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