Led by award-winning British hairstylist Steven Smart, the artistic team at SMART:EST 73 Salon has released collections inspired by the bold and vivid Japanese graphic art genres of anime and manga.
Anime “was a fascinating concept to explore,” says Smart, a repeat British Hairdressing Awards and OMC European Hairdressing Championship winner. "The history behind this culture is so intrinsically reliant on color in all its forms, but especially the bold.
“The variation and breadth of the palette really exaggerates and perfectly complements the undone textures of big, soft curls and brushed-out disheveled waves to the clean, blunt lines and smooth, glossy shine.”
Smart led the hair design for the Anime collection and art-directed the Manga collection, with Debra Smart and Jo Lomax taking the lead for hair design on the latter.
“We were inspired by the rise of modern Japanese fashion and its influence on future trends,” Debra Smart says. “Celebrating individuality, personality and creative freedom, each look explores a spectrum of textures, vivid colors and sculpted shapes.”
The makeup artist for both collections was Debra Smart, with fashion styling by Ginder Ninja and photos by Jamie Blanshard Photography.