AT LAST, THERE IS A GLIMMER OF LIGHT ON THE HORIZON. SHAKING AWAY THOSE WINTER BLUES, WE ARE LOOKING INTO THIS SPRING WITH OPTIMISM AND ENTHUSIASM AND ARE CONTINUALLY INSPIRED BY THE TALENT AND PERSEVERANCE WITHIN THE INDUSTRY.
Allan Stone
We would also like to mark the passing of our dear friend, and industry legend, Allan Stone of Stoney’s Barbershop in South Shields. A grand master barber, an educator, and one of the soundest lads in the industry. You will be greatly missed Stoney.
This issue features a touching tribute to Allan Stone by Vikki Harrison-Smith, remembering Stoney, his victories, and all the joy he brought to the industry.
Events
We are delighted to showcase Wahl Barber of the Year: Kilian Maddison, this issue. We caught up with Kilian about what winning the title meant to him, how he has been coping with lockdown this year, and what is next on the bucket list.
We are also looking forward to some of this year’s events such as BarbersRide 2021, which will take place this in August, raising funds for Make-A-Wish foundation. These crazy barbers will be hopping on their motorbikes for a road trip of a lifetime: from Liverpool to Fort William, and back down to Leeds, visiting incredible barbershops along the way.
We are also looking forward to this year’s Barber Connect. We spoke to Matt Brice from Barber Blades, and organiser of Barber Connect – who has had a year to think about the future for the UK’s largest barber event, after last year’s event was cancelled due to the current pandemic. We speak to him about the chances of the show going ahead this year.
Interiors
We spoke to owners of what we think are some of the UK’s most aesthetically impressive barbershops, such as Alternative Barbering Co, Kitch Hair, Tallboys, and Avanzato Grooming. In this segment, we talk inspiration, design, ergonomics, practicality, and even, ‘instagramability.’ Learn how to create a space that not only draws clients in but makes them want to stay forever—or at least come back, time and time again.
Speaking of design and ergonomics, we also celebrate Takara Belmont’s centenary in this issue, and their one hundred years of comfort, style and evolution.
Apprenticeships
We were lucky enough to catch up with Jody Taylor, highly acclaimed session stylist and BaByliss ambassador, to hear about how he found his way into the industry. With Jody, we talked about apprenticeships and how he went from making ups of tea at Toni & Guy, to working with some of the world’s best hairdressers, fashion designers and magazines. Jody also offers advice for those just looking to get started in the industry.
We also chat with Robert Rix and Paddy Hunter, to hear their two-cents about apprenticeships, building skills of the trade, and their personal experience with apprenticeships.
Enjoy the read, as always, we’ve enjoyed pulling the issue together and we hope you enjoy it too.