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 ANNA
COFONE
HAIRSTYLIST
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
Anna has been a
successful hairstylist for 11 years. She has
traveled around the world working on fashion shows and
photo-shoots in Paris, Milan, and New York. Her
work has been featured in Dazed Digital, W magazine,
Glass, Style, and ES, to mention a few.
Exclusively Fashion Magazine:
Can you tell me how your career started as a
hairstylist?
Anna Cofone:
Hairdressing wasn't actually my first choice of
profession but an interest that developed after
completing a diploma in performing arts. As well as
singing and acting, it covered certain aspects of hair
and makeup. I loved it and was fascinated by period
looks and how wigs were made. After finishing the course
and a short stint singing in jazz clubs and blues bars,
I decided that I wanted to learn more about hair and
possibly a career as a hairdresser. It wasn't long after
that I secured a position at award winning salon group
Harington's and within sixteen months I completed my
apprenticeship. My trainer and mentor Eamonn Boreham, was
absolutely passionate about hair and instilled in me the
core values of how to be a great hairdresser. He was
also the first to open my eyes to how the industry
stretched far beyond the salon environment by taking me
to photo-shoots and international shows. I was in awe
and would spend all my tips on fashion books and
photography as well organizing my own test shoots. After
working my way up to art director I then decided it was
time to leave so that I could learn more about session
work. I haven't looked back since!
EFM: How long have you been a
hairstylist?
AC:
For eleven years, eight of
which were spent in the salon. I then went travelling
for a couple and moved to London in May 2008.
EFM: Who
was the first hairstylist you have assisted?
AC:
The ever inspiring Eugene
Souleiman. He was an artist that I had admired since
seeing his work at The British Hairdressing Awards ten
years years ago. I can remember seeing his images and
thinking, 'wow, what a genius!' His approach to hair is
so thoughtful.
EFM: You have been quite busy this
S/S 2011; what fashion shows have you worked on?
AC:
I have been lucky enough to work
in Eugene's team for five consecutive seasons in Milan
and Paris. This season I also did New York for the first
time. We did shows including Donna Karan, Jeremy Scott,
Stella McCartney, Kenzo, Ann Demeulemeester.
EFM: You've
worked with many models; what was your favorite hair
style?
AC:
It would have to be the
look we did for Hussein Chalayan for S/S 09. My first
ever season doing the shows. The hair looked like an
aero dynamic Helmut-from the front it looked like the
hair had been just pulled back but, then the side
profile was of this shape that extended straight out
from the head at 90 degrees. The process of getting to
that point were intense, we had to be disciplined,
precise and controlled, making sure each step was
executed. It was a real challenge, but that's what I
love!
EFM:
You've created an amazing look on supermodel Natalia
Vodianova; working with one of the top models in the
industry, what products did you use on her hair and what
was that experience like?
AC:
Working with
Natalia was amazing and I can remember feeling so
nervous when I first met her, not only for being one the
most successful models in the industry but also because
the job was part of a series of events leading up to her
charity's 'Love Ball' event, I just feel so honoured to
have been a part of it.
I used styling
products from the Shu Uemura Art of Hair range including
the Sheer Lacquer.
EFM:
How important it is to have an agent?
AC:
I think for me it got to a
point where, having assisted for a few years, I needed
to make that crossover and start doing my own jobs. I
knew that by getting an agent it would help to propel me
onto peoples radar. I have never been good at
self-promotion and Emma is a great. She totally gets me
and my aspirations. We spent a lot of time prior to me
joining, discussing where I wanted to get to and how we
would get there. It's going to take time to get to a
point where I feel completely satisfied with my work but
I know we'll get there.
EFM: Can you tell me the favorite
brands of hair products you use?
AC:
Most defiantly the Bumble
and Bumble range and in particular the Surf Spray,
Holding Spray, Thickening Spray and Styling
Crème. I also love the Shu Uemura range and the way you
can layer them up to create specific looks.
EFM: What tips can you give to
keep your hair looking healthy and shinny?
AC: Have
regular trims, I would recommend at least every 8 weeks. Use a good quality shampoo and conditioner, I love the Shu Uemura range and in particular Shu SU Sleek for dry
unruly hair. I also tell clients to put a treatment on
their hair at least once a week-the best time is before
taking a bath, wash your hair, towel dry it and work the
masque through the lengths and ends before twisting it
up and letting it soak into the hair for a good 15
minutes. Also when you dry your hair, make sure to use a
heat protector. I love, love Shu Uemura Essence Absolu,
its lights and smells gorgeous!
EFM: What advice can you give to
aspiring hairstylist?
AC:
Learn your craft well and never
stop wanting to learn new skills and techniques. Also
test as much as you can, its by testing that you can
practice your ideas and understand which products
work best for you, not to mention forming great working
teams.
Also, read! Magazines and books
whether fashion, history or photography are great
sources of inspiration and most importantly help to
increase your level of knowledge – I will never forget
the moment I walked into Karl Lagerfeld's studio in
Paris, on a job assisting the legendary Sam McKnight,
that I felt my jaw drop – floor to ceiling book shelves
on every side of the room adorned with every fashion
book imaginable…I was in heaven!
Interview by Rochell “E” James
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