R A P T U R E
Collection Inspiration – R A P T U R E Boldly traversing multiple eras, this collection allows for an exceptionally diverse presentation that showcases the work of an experienced stylist with an impeccable skill set.
Maintaining a strong monochromatic theme throughout, Victorian stylist Jo Smith explores a melange of styles and textures within a variety of commercial and editorial looks. Fringes feature heavily and instigate a real talking point within each frame, whilst contrasting textures oscillate from raw and effortless, to highly polished.
Citing Debbie Harry as an initial style stimulus, Smith’s main protagonist captures the seminal rocker vibe complete with a signature bleached blonde mullet with dark matte roots. A second longer length mullet cements the stylist’s penchant for organic styling as well as displaying a progressive disconnection that oozes with modernity. The inclusion of a crop provides a beautiful balance to the collection, whilst an intricate updo reveals dexterity across yet another hairdressing competency. The remaining two images deliver a level of classic opulence to the collection, using traditional perm and set techniques to create oversized shapes that elevate the richness of the overall look and feel. The final compilation lands far left of the punk origin a result of Smith’s obsession with high fashion label Comme des Garçons, which infiltrates the overall architecture of each image.
Shot in classic black and white, Rapture has a feeling of timeless beauty, and again accentuates the stylist’s sway towards creating high contrast and structure within her hair designs.
Collection Credits
Hair Stylist Jo Smith
Colourist Jack Morton
Fashion Stylist Jam Baylon
Make Up Artist Rob Povey
Photographer Elizabeth Kinnaird
Biography When your salon flock is populated with the likes of Jack Morton, Nadia Semanic Dion Lee Andrew and until very recently when he returned to his motherland Luke Harris, a noting of world-class leadership is a fitting introduction to stylist Jo Smith. As Salon Owner /Director of TONI&GUY Georges and mentor to one of the most high performing, insanely creative and eminently visible hair squads in Australia, this Brit born hairdresser is a commendable member of the Australian Hairdressing industry.
Born in East Suffolk in the UK, Jo soon outgrew life in a local salon and relocated to Cambridge to join Global Superbrand TONI&GUY in 1997. Acutely focused from the outset, Jo travelled extensively to London to complete her foundation Varder training and several creative and commercial courses each year thereafter. Having earned her stripes as Stylist, Art Director and then Educator at TONI&GUY Solihull, an opportunity presented for relocation to Australia. After just two years Jo opted into the TONI&GUY Franchise model buying a salon in the iconic Georges building in Melbourne CBD. Having served a decade as Business Owner, Jo has developed an admirable reputation amongst her TONI&GUY peers and the broader hairdressing community for her consistently balanced approach to commercial and creative operations.
Jo’s authentic generosity and ‘team first’ approach is heavily underpinned by a strong belief in ongoing education, personally providing and externally resourcing regular training and development for all team members. Setting an admirable example to her peers, Jo’s senior position on the TONI&GUY Artistic Team has been attributed not only her meticulous approach to hair execution, but also her flawless preparation and presentation delivery.
A busy working mum to two energetic boys, Jo still maintains a heavy schedule of extra curricular activities on top of servicing her very loyal clientele. Working on projects for TONI&GUY Australia, Wella Professionals and label.m, much of her time out of the office is still spent in and around hairdressing, a lifestyle that shows no signs of slowing almost 20 years after her career began.
Whilst primarily identifiable as promoter, mentor and guide to others, Jo’s personal portfolio of work provides an insight into an incredibly talented stylist within her own right. With an infatuation with fashion that runs deep, her personal preference for architectural sophistication, expert tailoring and a luxury finish is evident from hair work that cites labels such as Comme des Garçons, Tom Ford and Gucci as key stimuli. Incredibly capable across a diverse skill set including session, precision cutting, up-styling and commercial cutting techniques, it is no surprise that her collections offer a spectrum of appeal, whilst always maintaining a level of quality that is first class.