Disco Daydream

Luxelab stepped back in time to the crazy days of Studio 54 thanks to Stasi Hartwick's inspiration for her final hair collection presentation. After a year or more of hard work and focus, Stasi has graduated from the challenging LuxeLab Academy "Stylist in Training" program and to celebrate, she gave us glitz and glamor, mirror balls and 70's beats as her 10 models strutted their stuff. Congratulations Stasi! What a fun way to celebrate.  We are all so proud and thrilled for your achievement and look forward to your hair adventure ahead. Stasi will be making people beautiful at her home salon "Luxelab at the Glen". 

L'Oréal Inspiration Officiel

2014 has seen many of our Luxelab stylists traveling the globe in search of education and inspiration and as always, they returned with lots to share. In a spectacular evening conceptulized and produced by Phillip Manzanaras for Luxelab, inc , 75 stylists from the 5 Luxelab locations were treated to these exciting experiences.

We were honored to have the show open with special guests Marlene Arce (national Vice President of Education for L'Oréal Professionelle) and Victoria Chestnut (West Coast Educational Director for L'Oréall Professionelle) outlining Loreal’s storied history and the grand vision for the future.

First stop: Vienna. Shawn Cunningham (Partner and Manager of Luxelab Bel Air) and Colette Simon (Manager of Luxelab Montana and Academy Educational Director) traveled with L'Oréal to Vienna, Austria where they attended classes at the gorgeous L'Oréal Academy as well as visiting some of the top sights the city has to offer. Inspired by Betram K's unique cutting approach, Shawn showed his version of a 5 step commercial long layered haircut, while Colette showed an editorial look inspired by a ride in an antique ferris wheel at the Wurstelprater amusement park.

Back in the USA, Craig Wcislo (Montana avenue salon stylist and partner and Kerastase national educational leader) and Jen Beckerman (Luxelab’s senior Editorial stylist and lead stylist for One Styling) presented the work they did back stage in New York fashion week spring shows for brands like Jason Woo, Thakoon, and many more. From corset inspired runway styling to edgy updos, this team showed the skills that only working backstage in high pressure situations can bring.

We then jetted off to Paris with Eric Garza (Luxelab Bel Air stylist and L'Oréal National styling Educator) and Beth Montgomery (Montana Avenue Assistant Manager and L'Oréal National styling educator). Their avant-garde work, complete with eye popping up-dos, spectacular headpieces, and extraordinary hair extensions was based on their photo shoot experience hosted by L'Oréal in the city of lights.

This event was a glorious reflection on travel, education, experiences and inspirations from 2014 and with the New Year around the corner, it was fitting to hear from Lauren Sill (Luxelab creative director, Kerastase lead educator, and Shu Uemura creative Director) and Amanda Gonsoulin (Luxelab Creative Director, L'Oréal National color educator and Lead Academy Color Educator) on the forecast of the latest color trends we can expect to see. Look out for techniques called “color melting and “pony lights” to create soft, yet dramatic color transitions for spring.

Special thanks goes to Craig Wcislo and Michelle Hansen who were responsible for the original fashion creations that each of the models were adorned in, along with ornate costume jewelry from Margaret Rowe Couture jewelry(available at Luxelab for purchase). Models were styled by Liz Abrams and Ani Avakyan for Luxelab, inc. and editorial make-up was done by Heather Pepe and Janae from Luxelab Pasadena.

Looking forward to what 2015 will bring!

Ready, Set, Roll

Luxelab was proud to host L'Oreal Professionnel National Artist and Master Session Stylist, Pepper Pastor who presented a modern and unique take on the art of setting hair and the foundations of building editorial and runway looks.

Her hairdressing mastery and fresh take on the art of styling was an inspiration.

Each of our own master craftsmen in attendance was treated to her refreshing vision and left with a few new tricks up their sleeves.

A big Luxelab thank you to L'Oreal Professionnel and Pepper Pastor for yet another night of outstanding education!

Luxelab World Tour: Vienna

Luxelab travels again to far off places for art, inspiration, fashion and education. Owners David Abrams and Jason Lara, luxe Bel Air owners Shawn Cunningham and Jenny Devine as well as Santa Monica salon Manager Colette Simon, Brand Managers Phillip Manzanares and Liz Abrams all joined 25 other salon owners and managers in Vienna for 2 full days of inspiration and education with Bertram K and his team at the Loreal Academy. 

Owners Jason Lara and David Abrams at the L'Oréal Akademie in Vienna

luxelab Bel Air owner Shawn Cunningham with owner Jason Lara

Following 3 more days of taking in the best of Vienna from top restaurants to tons of special L'oreal events, the luxelab team was treated to seats at Vienna Fashion Week and amazing after parties.

Vienna Fashion Week at MQ

Vienna Fashion Week Couture hat designer Alwa Petroni

Luxelab team with fashion week attendee and vocalist  Doretta Carter 

A big thank you to the amazing L'oréal team who never fail to provide an unparalleled and unforgettable experience!

The luxelab team then parted ways Lara, Manzanares, and Simon all were whisked off to France for more adventures as the Abrams', Cunningham, and Devine experienced Budapest. Dinner in castles, Danube cruises, and lots of spectacular history and architecture topped off another great World Tour experience. 

Still... nothing beats home. LA, here we come!

Reef Kills artLAB

This weekend artLAB Salon hosted inspiring pop artist Reef Kills Pop's solo art show. The space was transformed into a one of a kind gallery where Reef displayed his set of 7 foot paintings done specifically for this event.

As an eclectic group of DJ's spun sounds from all over the world, the full house mingled, sipping libations and discussing the inspiring work around them. The show was made complete with Reef's Keith Haring inspired hand painted murals adorning the walls and his custom designed merchandise for sale.

Looks like Reef Killed artLAB…. and they'll never forget it!

Visit artLAB Salon to see the amazing pieces in person. Artwork will be on exhibit till the end of September.

Pictures by Maxwell Benson
www.maxwellbenson.com