April Issue

OUR TEAM IAN MILAN Editor - In - Chief

AUTUMN ASHLEY M. Executive Editor

CHRIS NGUYEN Head of Production

PR Emily Gossen Jocelyn Lo

Writers Andie Salazar Arianna Gazis Ayanna Estelle Jarie Maldonado Lisa Siva Rachel Core

Production Batli Joselevitz Roberta Izquierdo

SPaR K

MEN’S ISSUE CONTENTS

Letter From The Editor Top 10 Male Models An Interview with Liz Wong Road to the Runway: The Last Stop Design Profile: Megan Mehl Design Profile: Colton Gerard Style Finder Men’s Spring Trends Propaganda Hair Group Editorials: The Saenz Have Landed Henley Royal Regatta

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

EDITOR April has been a monumental month, not only for Spark, but for all the other fashion students at UT as well. April is the culmination of almost a full year’s work for the students in the University Fashion Group, the organization that produces the Senior Fashion Show every year. For the senior designers, April is the climactic ending to years of studying seams, drafting patterns, and learning how to manipuļ ODWH IDEULFV 7KLV HQWLUH VHPHVWHU WKH\ VSHQW FRXQWOHVV KRXUV VWLWFKLQJ WKHLU YLVLRQV LQWR D ļSLHFH FROOHFļ tion that was presented to an audience of nearly 5,000 people.

As is tradition at Spark, we have shot the best senior design collections we could find. From Chris Pham’s sharp tailoring to Angela Saenz’s powerful angles, its clear these designers are a force to be UHFNRQHG ZLWK )RU D PRUH LQÄĽGHSWK ORRN DW WKH SURFHVV ZH LQWHUYLHZHG GHVLJQHU 0HJDQ 0HKO ZKRÂśV ‘60s inspired collection featured pieces that could be transformed into several sexy looks.

Never fear, there is something for the men as well. In addition to all of this senior designer excitement, ZHœYH QDPHG WKH $SULO 0D\ LVVXH WKH 0HQœV ,VVXH :HœYH IHDWXUHG VWXGHQW GHVLJQHU &ROWRQ *HUDUG DQG KLV LPSUHVVLYH RXWGRRUVļLQVSLUHG FRDWV DQG SDFNHG WKLV LVVXH ZLWK WKH PHQœV VSULQJ VXPPHU WUHQGV ĪLQFOXGLQJ D VW\OH ILQGHU WR KHOS SLQSRLQW \RXU ORRNč ,I \RXœUH RQ WKH KXQW IRU WKDW SHUIHFW VXPPHU KDLUFXW ORRN QR IXUWKHU WKDQ 3URSDJDQGD +DLU *URXS $XVWLQœV QHZHVW ĪDQG FRROHVWč NLGV RQ WKH EORFN 2I FRXUVH QR PHQœV LVVXH ZRXOG EH FRPSOHWH ZLWKRXW D 7RS /LVW RI WKH ZRUOGœV WRS PDOH PRGHOV ĪDW OHDVW WKDWœV ZKDW WKH ZRPHQ RI 6SDUN DUJXHGč For so many fashion students, April is validation that hard work pays off. As I said before, April is a monumental month for Spark. It’s hard to believe that nearly a year ago we were a staff of seven fightļ ing to make a name for ourselves. It’s been a year of hard work, lessons learned, lots of research, and a ORQJ OLVW RI DFFRPSOLVKPHQWV :HœYH EHHQ DEOH WR ZRUN ZLWK VRPH RI $XVWLQœV PRVW UHSXWDEOH QDPHV DQG shoot the fiercest models ATX has to offer. It’s been an amazing year for the magazine, and I would like to say happy first birthday to the incredible editors, photographers, writers, stylists, and PR staff ZKR KDYH GHGLFDWHG VR PXFK RI WKHLU WLPH DQG HIIRUW LQ FRQWLQXLQJ WR EXLOG 6SDUN 0DJD]LQH 2Q EHKDOI of my staff, we extend our sincerest thanks to all of our readers, associates, and friends for your support. I’ve tried my best to avoid sounding cheesy, but this time of year brings out the best in the Austin fashion crowd. There is so much support for these new designers and so much appreciation for the hard workers at UFG. I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say we wish you senior designers the EHVW RI OXFN RQ WKLV H[FLWLQJ VWHS IRUZDUG LQ \RXU FDUHHUV $V IRU 6SDUN 0DJD]LQH ZH ZLOO FRQWLQXH WR grow, learn, and impress.

The Textiles and Apparel building is finally settling down, and the Spark staff can already see the sunny VXPPHU GD\V DKHDG :KHWKHU D ILUVW WLPH UHDGHU RU D ORQJ WLPH IDQ ZH ZLVK \RX DOO D UHVWIXO DQG SURVļ perous summer. If you find yourself missing us, check our blog for Spark’s Senior Designer Documenļ tary, and keep an eye open for Spark in the fall because we’ll be back bigger and better than ever!

Editor-In-Chief

TOP 10 Male Models These are the top ten international male models – in other words the lucky guys who travel the globe and are photographed with some of the most beautiful women by the most established photographers in the world. These are the faces seen on billboards in New York and on runways in Milan. Some of them are not exactly macho men, but they have great style. Take notes guys!

Baptiste Giabiconi This 20-­year-­old, who had never dreamt of becoming a model, is now the most successful male model of our time. He was noticed at his local gym in France and was encouraged to join an agency. Only a year and a half after that he was noticed by none other than Karl Lagerfeld, and was quickly made the new face of Chanel. Still being the #1 top male model is not enough for Baptiste, who is very passionate about music. Taking inspiration from his idols, David Bowie, Jim Morrison, and Dave Gahan, Bap-­ tiste plans to release a glam electro pop album this year. Until then, you’ll be able to find him as the face of Dior homme.

Sean o’'Pry When he’s not walking the runways of Marc Jabobs, Salvatore Ferragamo, Moschino and being the face of Botega Veneta, Sean O’Pry is a typical 21-­year-­old who enjoys playing lacrosse and football. Born in Georgia in 1989, O’Pry was discovered by an agent on myspace who saw his prom photos and realized he was far from ordinary. O’Pry’s very first runway show was Calvin Klein, and since then he has opened shows for Versace, and Givenchy. For these reasons, O’Pry has been named the #2 Top Male Model.

Simon Nessman Six years ago, Simon Nessman was known in Canada as the curly-­haired guy who liked basketball, surfing, and Seinfeld. Although he can still be found watching Seinfeld reruns and shooting hoops, the world knows him better as the face of D&G eyewear, Emporio Armani, and Louis Vuitton.

Aside from his supermodel abilities, Nessman can also play the guitar and is heavily moved by music like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sublime, Radiohead, and Modest Mouse.

Clement Chabernaud Clement Chabernaud’s first runway show was Dior Homme in Paris. Since then this Frenchman has been every-­ where and back again. Modeling since he was 16, his fame skyrocketed when he was chosen to model in Balmain’s Spring/Summer 2010 campaign. He has been the poster boy of Jill Sander, Roberto Cavalli, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Prada, and has walked for various designers including Prada, Uniqlo, Yves Saint Laurent, and Hugo Boss.

Nikola Jovanovic This Ford model from Serbia entered the modeling industry with a bang. During Nikola Jovanovic’s first season, he managed to book Gucci ad campains, and fashion shows with Dries Van Noten and Prada.

Benjamin Hill A Georgia native born in 1978, Ben Hill is the oldest model on the Top 10 list. With age comes experience, and with experience comes campaigns for Louis Vuit-­ ton and Hugo Boss, to name a few. He started model-­ ing in 2002 in Abercrombie & Fitch ads followed by D&G, Vivienne Westwood, and Tommy Hilfiger. Cur-­ rently this rugged man is plastered on Hugo Boss and Calvin Klein Eternity fragrance ads.

David Agbodji

David Agbodji’s gift in photography

has set him apart from other top

models. His knowledge of what looks good through the lens of a camera has put him on the spot – that and his good looks. When he’s not walking D&G shows or shooting a French Vogue editorial, he is engaged in basketball or karate. Two years ago he opened and closed Calvin Klein, mark-­ ing his debut into the industry.

Edited by Autumn Ashley

WRITTEN BY AYANNA ESTELLE

Jon Kortajarena This male model debuted in Emporio Armani and John Galliano’s 2004 shows. Jon Kortajarena has every trait you would expect a model to have. He is known for his cheekbones, stare, and pout (Sounds ridicu-­ lous, but try it on a girl sometime. Girls you know its true.). Kortajar-­ ena enjoys reading books and watching independent films. He gets his tan skin color not from a tanning salon but from his Spanish heritage.

These traits are probably why Karl Lagerfeld has photographed him, and puts him at #8 Top Model of the world.

Nils Butler Ford Models Europe discovered this blonde-­haired, blue-­eyed Norwegian when he was 18.. Butler-­ has walked for Thierry Mugler, Bottega Veneta, and he has been the face of D&G alongside #3 Simon Nessman. We look forward to seeing him for D&G’s F/W 2011 runway show!

Mathias Bergh In 1987, Mathias Bergh was born in Stockholm, Sweden. In 2008 he signed with Wilhelmina, and in 2009 Bergh became the face of Gucci. Currently he is 10th Top Male Model, and this is a huge accomplishment for a guy who first signed with Wilhelmina agency just three years ago. In this short time, he has come a long way, walking in runway shows for Rag & Bone, Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton.

An Interview With

LIZ WONG Liz Wong is a true Renaissance woman.

With the presidency of the University Fashion Group under her belt, Liz has served as production assistant at Sue Webber, and president of the Plan II Students Association. Her latest coup de grace: producing Timo Weiland’s fall 2011 show. In the summer of 2010, Liz began as an intern for the emerging designer, whose work has been deemed

by Style.com’s Matthew Schneier as “sparkle without the‌glare.â€? Quickly moving from star intern to show production assistant for spring 2011 and finally to Fashion Coordinator for fall, Liz now looks forward to working with Timo Weiland full-time after graduating this year. Liz Wong shares her New York Fashion Week experience with Spark.

Q: How did you begin working with Timo Weiland? What initially drew you to his work?

Q: What do you think set you apart from the other interns and employees? Is there a moment that you felt was truly indicative of your success?

A: I got the internship through my friend Michael Sanchez, a retail merchandising student at UT who met them while he was interning for another company in New York. As soon as he told me about WKHP , ZHQW WR WKHLU ZHEVLWH Č , FRXOG VHH LPPHGLļ ately how creative and exciting their brand was. It was a huge relief to work for a designer whose work I truly believed in. Once I arrived and began workļ ing, it was an amazing surprise to discover not only how talented but also how warm and welcoming 7LPR DQG $ODQ Ī7KH &Rļ)RXQGHUVč DQG 'RQQD Ī+HDG 'HVLJQHUč DUH 7KH\ LPPHGLDWHO\ WUHDWHG PH like family and we spent a lot of time together. I haven’t met nicer people.

A: I think they recognized that I was a hard worker right away. One of the things they kept saying to me ZDV WKDW , MXVW JHW WKLQJV GRQH ÄŚ LI WKH\ DVNHG PH WR do something, I was going to find a way to do it. All I can say is thank goodness for my smartphone and IODWV ÄŚ , GLG D ORW RI UXQQLQJ HUUDQGV , FRXOG WHOO they trusted me when they started giving me UHVSRQVLELOLW\ ÄŚ WKH\ SXW PH LQ FKDUJH RI WKHLU excess inventory and a sample sale before the summer was over. I can say for sure that my familÄĽ LDULW\ ZLWK WHFKQRORJ\ ÄŞ, ZDV GRLQJ DQ\WKLQJ IURP fixing the printer and fax machine to creating LQYHQWRU\ VSUHDGVKHHWVÄŤ DQG IDVKLRQ GHVLJQ VNLOOV like flat pattern and sewing was a huge bonus.

Q: The show received positive reviews from many sources, including style.com. How did it feel to see the show’s success?

A: I’m just very proud of them and so happy to be a part of such a wonderful young company. The week I spent in New York was incredibly exhausting but it is one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. I think I emailed the link to our show on Style.com to about a thouļ sand people.

Q: What is one piece of advice would give to someone interested in becoming involved in fashion show productions?

Q: Where there any aspects of the production that surprised you?

A: I wasn’t that surprised by anything, since I had been there for the previous season. One major thing is that the shoes, makeup, hair, and accessories were all provided as sponsorships, so they had to find ways to make those elements really mesh with their own creative vision.

A: I would say to work your way up so you really understand the process. I started out as a dresser in UT’s fashion show my senior year, and then I began volunteering at more local fashion shows. I eventually started to get paid to dress at local shows ĪDQG , VWLOO GR WKDW IURP WLPH WR WLPH IRU VWRUHV OLNH 1HLPDQ 0DUFXVč (YHQWXDOO\ people began to trust me enough to hire me as a production assistant, so I would help style, set up the backstage, and call the show rather than be a dresser. I didn’t get paid anything to go do Timo’s show, but I recently worked on the David’s Bridal show for the Houston Bridal ([WUDYDJDQ]D ZLWK DQRWKHU VKRZ SURGXFHU here and made some money there! People really remember when they like you, and they will want to work with you again. It’s all experience and networking, and showļ ing that you really care about the success of the show by working as hard as humanly possible.

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ROAD TO THE RUNWAY: The Last Stop Graduation is right around the corner and the loose ends are being tied up. Between model searches and final fittings each passing week became more hectic as the Univerĥ sity Fashion Group Fashion show approached. All of the hard work is definitely paid off and the design students were ecstatic as they comĥ pleted their collections and saw them on the runway!

On March 29th the senior design students presented their third and final look of the their collection. After preĥ senting the 3rd look to the judging panel, fitting and styling preparations began.

Two weeks later after the fourth judging and one week before the fashion show the students showed their complete collection to the judging panel for one final critique before the big day.

On April 21st, thousands of people will filled the Frank Erwin Center to see what these students were so assiduously and passionately working on for the past six months. The spring review this year was titled “Innovation” and that is just what the students offered, innovative and fresh collections.

The design students were up for several awards. At the end of the show, the winners were announced and the models and designers took their final bow. The winners of the University Fashion Group’s Innoĥ vation are as follows:

Eveningwear Gown: Best: Jessica Bird Honorable Mention: Christopher Pham Bridal Gown: Best: Angela Saenz +RQRUDEOH 0HQWLRQ 6RSKLD $Oĥ%DQQD Most Marketable Collection: It was a tie between: Elise Romero and Jessica Bird Honorable Mention: Crystal Colmenero Best Technical: Again there was a tie: Angela Saenz and Kalgari Ferris Honorable Mention: Dhanny Indrakusuma Best Collection: Best: Colton Gerard Honorable Mention: Christopher Pham

*Photos courtesy of Emily Gossen, University Fashĥ ion Group & Batli Joselevitz Spark Magazine*

WRITTEN BY RACHEL CORE Edited by Autumn Ashley

DESIGN PROFILE: MEGAN MEHL Megan Mehl is as unforgettable as her stunning collection. The first time I met this young designer, she was in heels sewing her bridal gown. The speed and effortlessness of her needle moving through fabric, impressive as it may be, was not the first thing that struck me, rather it was the gown itself. Threaded with romanticism, Mehl’s bridal gown showed a new interpretation of the classic white dress as she integrated one of the sexiest fabrics known to man, black lace. Placed in areas that accentuate the female body, black lace was used to halter the dress and button the back. It was also on the bottom of the dress over the tulle and cinched in the middle with a delicate bow. The gown hugged the mannequin perfectly and I could not wait until I saw it on a model or on myself.

Her bridal dress, however, was just a small fraction of her entire collection. In the beginning of January the UT designers began their journey into making their collections. Putting together inspiration sheets and fantasizing about what fabrics they were going to use.

Meghan’s sketches of her garments were innovative. They transĥ formed, moved, and breathed as if they were an organism of their own. She had an obsession to work with magnets that allowed one

garment to actually be two or three. Mehl says it was difficult it was to work with the magnets, as they would stick to everything. She would be sewing and next thing she knew it was stuck to her needle. The magnets were sewn into the chiffon so it was practically impossible to see with the naked eye. It was very hard work but it certainly paid off.

Could you imagine being able to change from day to evening in a matter of seconds? Well 0HJDQ SUHVHQWHG WKLV PXOWLĥFRORUHG PD[L GUHVV that quickly became a short dress in the blink of an eye.

The theme of transformation in Megan’s collecĥ tion continued with was a short magenta dress that was complimented by bright orange long sleeves. In the swift movement of a tug, sleeves would be off and bare shoulders would be exposed. It happens so quickly you would think

it was a special effect from a movie. The open back of the dress lent a sophisticated quality to the form fitting dress. Each piece worked together and complimented each other, which was a goal Megan wanted to achieve.

In short, I really enjoyed seeing these dresses come to life. When you understand the hard work designers put into their work, you really begin to understand just how important the tiny details are. Megan Mehl understands details within design and her understanding is reflected in her work. I am glad to have met her, and in the future I hope to buy one of her innovative creations!

WRITTEN BY JARIE MALDONADO Edited By Autumn Ashley

DESIGN PROFILE: COLTON GERARD

Senior design student, Colton Gerard won best collection at the University Fashion Group’s “Innovation” themed fashion show. After getting a close up look at his collection, it’s not hard to see why. Colton’s unique attention to detail is evident in every seam of his water resistant crocodile trench with antler toggle buttons. Gathering his inspiration from Tom Ford and World War II, Colton’s collection challenges the idea of traditional menswear.

Q: So Colton, what was your inspiration for your collection?

A: I aimed more for a masculine outdoor collection in the beginning of my process, but slowly it got a more military theme. The details I added to each garment adds to the militaĥ ristic vibe of WWII as well as correlating a unique spin on the theme of my outdoor collection. The meticulous nature of these uniforms also inspired me to pay close attention to detail and create a different theme to each coat.

Q: What distinguishes these coats from each other in terms of vision and usability?

A: Each garment uses a different fabric that changes itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s usability. The details also set it apart; I used duck cloth, wool, and water resistant materials for each of the three garments. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all coats, but I wanted to make a different coat to have for each climate temperament.

Q: Can you describe some of the details on each jacket? $ 2Q WKLV FURFRGLOHÄĽLQVSLUHG UDLQ FRDW WKH ELJJHVW IDFWRU is the water resistance. On the lighter coat for daily use, some details are the duck cloth and toggle buttons made out of real deer antlers. The wool coat has brass coins for buttons and a detachable beltâ&#x20AC;ŚI wanted each piece to be versatile in their own way.

A: I would have to say at least around 150 hours each. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just so much detail to pay attention to with the various materials I used.

Q: How did you become interested in fashÄĽ ion design? $ :HOO , DOZD\V ORYHG WÄĽVKLUW GHVLJQV , ZDQWHG WR RSHQ D WÄĽVKLUW VKRS IRU D ORQJ WLPH and just had a hobby of graphic design for WÄĽVKLUWV EHIRUH , GHFLGHG WR WDNH D FODVV RQ LW After that, I was introduced to menswear and the rest was history.

Well you heard it. The rest was history, and we at Spark canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait for the future!

Q: How many hours did it take to create these garments ?

WRITTEN BY ARIANNA GAZIS Edited By Autumn Ashley

R E T S P

IND I E/ H I

CL A C I SS

STYLE

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FINDER

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G N I R P S D N E TR T R O P E R COLORS

The key to style this spring is color. To keep it simple, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve broken it down into 3 general color schemes. Once you get these down, the rest of springâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trends seem to fall into place.

GO BOLD: This spring is all about bold colors. From blue blazers to red pants to minor orange accents, bold color is WKH VHFUHW WR D ZHOOÄĽEDODQFHG PRGHUQ ZDUGUREH

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BOTTEGA VENETA

BALMAIN

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LIFE IN TECHNICOLOR: You’ll still be able to find the basic black/khaki/navy pant around, but the best way to wear pants this spring is to go with bold colors like blue, green, aqua, red, yellow, and orange. The trick to these bolder colors is balance. If your pants are bold, calm it down with neutral shoes and shirts. This idea carries over into jeans as well. Instead of the usual blue, try on a nice grey jean for size. It’ll be a great piece to have in your wardrobe because it will look great with bolder colored pieces or a really awesome black and white look.

ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA

FEET

DIOR

YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT A MAN WITH BIG FEET

Not too much actually, but what will get you noticed is what’s on those feet. I’ve heard a lot of women say the first piece of a guy’s outfit they check is his shoes, so leave the sweaty running shoes at the gym and if you’ve had the same pair of chucks since high school, it’s time to invest in an update. A well designed VQHDNHU ĪPD\EH LQ OHDWKHU RU XVLQJ VRPH RI WKDW EROG FRORU"ī ZLOO JR D ORQJ ZD\ You’ll be able to wear them to class or dress it up to a nice casual look with a good pair of jeans and a blazer. Shoes will make or break the rest of your outfit so make sure they give you a strong, confident look.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST: Sandals. Leave the nasty flip flops at home and opt for a nice leather sandal. You can wear it with jeans, shorts, or pants and it’s much more SROLVKHG WKDQ WKH IRDPĥDQGĥSODVWLF \RX ZHUH treading on before.

CONVERSE JACK PURCELL

KRIS VAN ASSCHE

LOUIS VUITTON

BURBERRY

WRITTEN BY IAN MILAN Edited By Autumn Ashley

BOTTEGA VENETA

Propaganda Hair Group The hunt to find the right hair stylist is a little like dating. You do some research, ask friends for reviews and test the chemistry of the conversation. But unlike the search for the perfect romanĥ tic partner, hopefully, a date with a pair of sharpened shears in the wrong hands can lead to months of recovery for your damaged locks. So as a rule of thumb when it comes to putting your trust in a new hair stylist, the more experience the better. Propaganda Hair Group, a new addition to Austin’s salon scene, might put your heart at ease with its foundaĥ tion upon years of experience in the industry and its mission to filter the negative aspects out of a trip to the salon.

When Lati Domis moved to the U.S. from Yugoslavia for his education, it was not hair cutting techniques that he was OHDUQLQJ +H RULJLQDOO\ VWXGLHG SUHĥPHG DW WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ RI 1HEUDVNDĥ/LQFROQ As he so cavalierly put it, he then decided to change careers and do someĥ thing he found more fun. Lati was led to Dallas where he was captivated by the vibe of the hair industry , via Toni& Guy. He attended their Academy and quickly became the Education Director and the

International Art Director for the TIGI product line. “When I started it was going to be a temporary thing,” he laughs.“I was just going to do that for a couple of years before I went back to Europe and continued my education.

But I kept moving up in that company and they kept promoting me more and more, and the next thing you know, it’s EHHQ WHQĥ\HDUV DQG ,¶P VWLOO GRLQJ KDLU But I love it you know, even though it was definitely an accident.”This was probably the best accident Lati ever made. It has led him across the Globe and into Austin, where he and his wife opened Propaganda Hair Group in September of last year. After almost a year of location searching, interior construction and staff building, the final result was well worth the wait. Lati and his wife Sarah Domi currently employ ten hand picked stylists with four more in training and plans for further expanĥ sion in January. In an industry known for cattiness and clashing personalities, gathering a dozen people in one place and creating a pleasant environment is quite a feat. The secret to Propaganda’s calm atmosphere and bond between stylists is education.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everyone in the salon works a bit different, so everybodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s learning from each other,â&#x20AC;? he explained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Even though Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been doing hair for 12 years, you always have more room to grow. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one thing thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fun about our industry is that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re never too good. You can always become better.â&#x20AC;?The seasoned hair veterans maintain their skills through handsÄĽ on demonstrations, runway involvement and photo shoots organized by the salon.

New stylists and chemists go through beginÄĽ ning, intermediate and advanced classes twice a week. This training always keeps the stylists RI 3URSDJDQGD LQÄĽWKHÄĽNQRZ DQG LW UHDOO\ reflects the name, space and entire concept of the salon as it has an innovative design and is always implementing modern technology.

The name Propaganda is unique and really is more than just something to call the salon. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With the name, we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to create just a name, we wanted to kind of make a statement. And we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to name the salon in Italian or French, you know, the norm,â&#x20AC;? Lati said with an exasperated smile. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want to influence not just the people with the way we do things, but other hair dressers too and other salons.â&#x20AC;?

The space itself has been fashioned around the ideas of modernism and minimalism. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We wanted to do someÄĽ thing that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel like a salon,â&#x20AC;? Lati explained regarding the design. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve worked in a salon for a very long time and I never liked the feel of it. It was always messy and there are wires everywhere, you know. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fashion industry and it should be clean and so on, and things like that always bugged me.â&#x20AC;?

In designing Propaganda, the Domis sought to tackle their qualms with the standards of salon design. They worked with local architect Dick Clark, hoping to instill his Austin perspective into the space. To reduce the overwhelming jumble of styling tools, the many wires stringing from hair dryers and flat irons are carefully hidden in the walls. The salon then not only appears neat but is also a convenience when it comes to cleaning.

The idea of minimalism and modernism carries over into the business’ bookkeepĥ ing as well. Keeping up with current technology reduces clutter. Propaganda employees are plugged in to Mac comĥ puters, iPads, and iPhones that alert them of appointments the moment that clients schedule them. It’s efficient and environmental. The salon has almost eliminated the use of paper datebooks and memos altogether. Electricity usage is also kept at a minimum, which is a FRQFHSW VXUH WR SOHDVH WKH HFRĥIULHQGO\ of Austin and the Domis when their utility bills arrive.

“We didn’t want to be wasteful, and salons are known for being wasteful,” Lati expressed. “The way we designed the salon, you don’t need a lot of elecĥ tricity. And you can save a lot of cash just by being aware of those things. So it works in both ways, you save cash and you protect something that’s important.”

This green theory is a concept other salons might like to adopt. The entire basis of Propaganda stems from their desire and willingness to spread their concepts to the surrounding community.

The Domis could have opened the salon in Dallas or even in Los Angeles, which was another place they had considered living. However, after weighing all of the odds, Austin felt like home. “We love the city, we love the people. It’s just an entirely different place from Dallas,” Lati mused.

But following fashion isn't just about fitting in and being practical. Lati believes it is a way to discover yourself as a stylist.

"Look at what other people are doing and kind of make it your own, become your own individual from that,” he advised. “If you're not educated in those things, if you're not educated in what different designers are doing, you won't be able to become yourself as a stylist."

Since Lati is so heavily involved in the fashion industry he seeks to incorporate fashion as a part of the salon as well. Propaĥ ganda takes all of the photos used on their website themselves, and part of the educaĥ tion for advanced stylists involves participatĥ ing in photo shoots once a month. These shoots are not only fun, but also teamĥ building and educational. They allow stylists to do a haircut or a color, take a picture of it and visually judge what they might like to improve.

This concept is definitely evident at Propaĥ ganda, and Austinites are thrilled to have such experienced stylists in their midst. Judging from the career Lati has had so far and the success of Propaganda Hair Group, it doesn’t look like they are going away anytime soon.

"Unlike other salons, we do pay a lot of attention to fashion," Lati points out. "One of the things that we disliked about our industry was that there was always a disconĥ nect between the hairdressing world and the fashion world, and they should be connected together. We decided to do hair by paying attention to what's happening in the fashion world."

This includes everything from organizing those photo shoots to being current with the trends to talking to clients and finding the right cut to suit their lifestyle while remainĥ ing fashionable.

“For me it’s always if I look at the fashion designers, then I can be more successful with creating shapes that are going to match the clothes,” he said. “That’s my job. My job is not to create the fashion, it’s to follow those fashion trends.”

WRITTEN BY ANDIE SALAZAR Photos & Edited by Autumn Ashley

Henley Royal Regatta

Photos by Quit Nguyen Garments by Chris Pham Models: Jennifer Thomas and John Mitrowski

Credits

Special Thanks to:

Wilhelmina Brown: Models www.wilhelminabrown.com

Wilhelmina Brown: Models Jeffery English: Makeup Propaganda Hair Group: Hair www.propagandahairgroup.com

Style.com Getupgo.com I.models.com whoisscout.wordpress.com flicker.com fanpop.com Imageshack.com

Š2011 Student Fashion Cooperative

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