Age of EnlightenmentA N I N T E R V I E W W I T H A L A N W H I T E

THE JOURNAL MAGAZINE

ISSUE 2/16

It seems we can all learn something from Alan White. An artist, a visionary, a businessman - whatever you choose to call him, there’s no denying this man’s incredible impact on the hairdressing industry. Year after year Alan creates something new, innovative and inspirational to captivate this industry and 2016 is no different. This year, Alan White Anthology has joined forces with the 2016 FAME Team to support their journey as their craft is challenged, questioned and refined. We caught up with Alan to chat about his motivations behind Alan White Anthology, his inspiration behind the “Anthology” shoot and to congratulate him on his upcoming FAME Team journey.

TJ: How do you like to spend your days when you aren’t working? AW: I am not a guy who can sit still for too long. I need to be active and recharge myself – so generally this means a mix of surfing, mountain biking or swimming laps at the Bondi Icebergs pool - whichever activity it may be it’s always followed by a great coffee in good company.

TJ: What is your favourite thing about working with hair? AW: What I really love about hair is that you always start with a relatively blank canvas that can be created into whatever you want. Often when I look at a head of hair I see the challenge of pushing boundaries and creating something that others would be inspired by. To me, hair is an evolving, changing, raw textural material just waiting to be manipulated into something extraordinary.

TJ: How do you continue to stay inspired after a long, successful career in the hair industry?

AW: I continue to be excited and inspired by all things new and I still feel as hungry for fashion as I did in my early teens. The access we have these days makes inspiration instant especially video, online imagery and industry social media. It’s the most inspiring industry you could ever wish for – the world of hairdressing is forever evolving and changing along with fashion.

TJ: What is your take on the relationship between hair and fashion? AW: Hair emulates a vibe that fashion creates, but hair in a way is what gives fashion it’s character, hair creates a sense of belonging, a reality, a defined meaning and a point of direction. It can be simple or hard hitting, the combination of great hair and incredible fashion are in complete alignment, one without the other will always lack something, but together they enhance and celebrate the form and function of each other.

“It means a great deal for me to give back to the industry and I can do this by imparting my knowledge, sharing my experiences and nurturing young talent.”

TJ: Tell us about Alan White Anthology. AW: Alan White Anthology has grown organically into a major business but its core remains the same. Yes, it is about supplying equipment to hairdressers that can make a difference to their work at the same time AWA is a platform to help the development of hairdressing through advice, mentorship and education. Anthology is the sum of all the amazing parts I have pulled together throughout my career and travels.

TJ: Tell us about your approach to the photo shoot “Anthology”.AW: It was a unique collaboration with two of my favourite artists, makeup artist Nadine Monley and photographer David Mannah. We were inspired to create simplicity with a point of view. It was an opportunity to be creative and just play with looks without any restrictions, briefs or boundaries.

TJ: What advice would you love to instil in up and coming hairdressers? AW: Go hard, don’t be complacent or patient, go out and go for it. Allow yourself and your art to evolve. Watch, create and go with your gut feelings, and remember that sometimes less is more. Visualise your end result and then create what you want to see. Allow the hair to flow - even if it’s grungy it still needs to be beautiful. It’s all in the prep - hair will do anything you want it to do if it’s prepped correctly.

TJ: What does the future look like for Alan White? AW: I am really excited to be working with the FAME Team as I am truly passionate about mentoring and educating young stylists. It’s an industry that has given me so much opportunity from my beginnings in an East London barber shop to where I am now, and it is an honour for me to be able to return the love by mentoring these talented artists. For Alan White Anthology we are looking into many new and exciting products and opportunities – we want to stay ahead of the game so you’ll just have to wait and see what happens next!

“It means a great deal for me to give back to the industry and I can do this by imparting my knowledge, sharing my experiences and nurturing young talent.”