When we speak of hairstyling and cutting-edge technology, we can’t overlook Ikonic, the trailblazer of haute coiffeurs in India. Vidhi Arya from Professional Beauty India speaks to Vipul Chudasama to discuss the hairstyling prowess and cutting-edge techniques that Ikonic and Ikonic Creative Team brings to the fore.
Can you share the vision behind the Ikonic Creative Team?
As an innovative tool brand, IKONIC recognises the importance of expertise and creativity in showcasing its products. To bring this vision to life, the brand has a creative team travelling across the country, demonstrating various styles and techniques using IKONIC tools in salons locally and abroad. With hairdressers coming up with new ideas each year, we believe having a dedicated creative team is essential. As a tool brand, education is important. Our creative team will play a crucial role in providing Education and inspiring creative minds.
How does the Ikonic Creative Team stay up to date when it comes to innovative hairstyling techniques and collections?
We stay up to date with innovative hairstyling techniques and collections through education and access to fashion weeks. Also, we engage in regular brainstorming sessions that draw inspiration from global trends and the fashion industry.
What was the inspiration behind your latest hairstyling collection – ‘Twilight’?
The name “Twilight” captures the essence of the setting sun, signalling the transition to evening. This time of day is often filled with glamorous events, cocktail nights, and dinner outings — moments when people prepare to go out and celebrate. We wanted to embody this concept of luxury wear because great hair is essential; even the finest garments can fall flat without it.
With current and future trends in mind, we developed a collection inspired by the twilight theme. This collection aims to inspire salons and hairdressers across the country, providing them with techniques that can be used for both commercial and creative purposes. Whether they run salons or academies, these methods will enhance their team’s skills and elevate their offerings.
As a team, how do you approach the process of creating a new hairstyling collection, from concept to execution?
When preparing a collection, we engage in brainstorming and ideation, exploring various trends and possibilities. Our focus is always on what works well in the present and what will resonate in the future. For this collection, our aim was not to be avant-garde; instead, we wanted to create something that truly inspires. We designed techniques that can be easily integrated into everyday practice, allowing professionals to apply them meaningfully to their clients.
What has been the most challenging yet rewarding aspect of working with a diverse team of hairstylists under Ikonic?
As a team of diverse artists, we bring unique concepts and ideas to the table, making it challenging to distal everything into a cohesive vision. While everyone has fantastic thoughts and creative sparks, converging on one unified concept is often the biggest hurdle. This process requires time and energy, as we strive to transform our collective creativity into a tangible reality. Balancing different perspectives while ensuring we stay true to our vision is a delicate but essential part of the journey.
How do you believe the Ikonic Creative Team is poised to influence the hairstyling industry in India, both creatively and professionally?
For brands like IKONIC, tools alone don’t define the brand; it’s the artists who bring them to life. These artists are true celebrities and ambassadors, showcasing their skills and creativity while using our products in various styles. Their artistry highlights the potential of our tools, making them essential in demonstrating the brand’s value and versatility.
Could you give us some insight into the latest hairstyling trends you are excited about?
Here are some standout styles: curly pixies, 70s Birkin bangs, wavy textured bobs, butterfly layers, and shags.
What’s in the pipeline for Ikonic that we should look forward to?
We’re eager to expand our creative team to embrace more diverse perspectives. Our talented team includes – Vipul Chudasama, Gaurav Bhardwaj, Sumit Malkotia, Vivek Shyam Bhatia, Nikisha Bhatia, and Dodo. Our mission is to integrate each artist’s unique vision, enriching hair artistry across the country with various creative styles and innovative thought processes.
In the next five years, our brand will prioritise education, focusing on nurturing and supporting hairdressers across the country to enhance their styling skills. Mastering techniques like cutting and colouring is essential. But, true artistry lies in styling. Understanding your tools deeply allows you to create a variety of expert styles. That’s our commitment and focus moving forward.
Join us at Professional Beauty India, Powered by Ikonic Professional, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai on September 30 and October 1, 2024. Join us and don’t miss the opportunity to gauge state-of-the-art tools and inspiring creativity from Ikonic. Register here.
