American Crew all Star Challenge Winner Stephanie Pfalzgraf had a vision to create an editorial that finds unity in diversity, a reminder that we are all one. Challenging masculinity and celebrating diverse silhouettes, here we live in Synchronicity.
We spent a day celebrating diversity and uncovering a collective mindset with Stephanie in creating the Synchronicity session. Here we welcome you inside the mind of a female barber that challenges the status quo in men’s hair.
How would you describe your style?
At this very moment, I would describe my style as being really natural, raw, soft and far away from constructive looks and solid geometric shapes. I enjoy emphasising the pure state of the hair, creating effortless looks.
What were your go-to products on the shoot?
American Crew Alternator, Boost Spray, Fibre Foam, and the Beard Oil which I like using as a serum, and not to forget Finishing Spray for the action on set.
How does the American crew brand complement your approach to hair?
American Crew is more than just short and classic men’s hairstyles. The products are very versatile and I enjoy playing around and mixing different products together and pushing them further than what they are typically used or made for. There are no limits when it comes to creating! All you need is a solid foundation, which American Crew provides and then it’s up to you to step outside of the box to break the rules.
You had a distinct idea of what you wanted to create for the shoot. What was your inspiration and how did this idea come about?
My inspiration behind Synchronicity came from fascinating occurrences of coincidences I experienced over the past two years. It’s a reflection of finding unity in diversity, a reminder that we are all one. I’m so grateful that American Crew and INSTYLE believed in my idea that has been sitting with me for awhile now and gave me this platform to express my creativity and thoughts.
What is your favourite men’s style at the moment and how have we seen men’s hair change?
Everything mid-length and long hair! It makes me happy to see that guys are keen to try longer styles and explore the diversity, which comes with growing their hair out.
What do you love most about collaborating on editorial?
There is always this little bit of uncertainty when it comes to collaborating on editorial, which is a great reminder to trust the process and I really enjoy that. It’s so important to be open to everyone’s input and to listen carefully no matter if it’s the photographer, stylist or model. You will learn from every single person on set, and once everyone is in the flow it is incredible to see how things unfold.
Who do you most look up to in hairdressing?
There are many people I look up to. It starts with my mentors and friends in the industry, and obviously well-known people globally like Eugene Souleiman. Overall I look up to people who create unapologetically, constantly push boundaries, break norms, and take risks.
What do you look for in models?
That is a good question – a few people have been asking me this lately. Most of the time I start visualising ideas in my head no matter if it is creating looks for the American Crew All Star Challenge, this editorial, or even making art and then I take it from there and trust my vision. It’s like a jigsaw puzzle and I know what I’m looking for is out there. I prefer to work with my models, not forcing something on them which is not aligning with their identity because it will reflect in the final images.
For more information visit www.americancrew.com
Credits:
Photography: Bernard Gueit
Hair: Stephanie Pfalzgraf
Styling: Carlos Mangubat
Make up: Emma Jane
Creative: Cameron Pine