F.A.M.E. TEAM FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

It was a day of creative collaborations, intensified challenges and spectacular showcases as this year’s F.A.M.E. Team Semi-Finals got underway, with our 8 finalists announced at the end of what was an exceptional day.
 
Held at Loft Studios, London, this year’s semi-finals were a whirlwind for our 14 individuals who arrived ready for the full day ahead. The finalists and judges alike were welcomed by F.A.M.E. Team Leader Sally Brooks and Fellowship Chancellor, Karoliina Saunders, who kicked off the day with a change to the annual proceedings. 
 
The semi-finalists were firstly tasked with a spur of the moment 15-minute challenge, where they were asked to create a look of their choice in the allotted time and using only 3 products – the excitement was in the air and each finalist channelled their own vision to create a look which replicates them and their creative vision. The looks were then judged by a small intimate group of the industries well respected names, including Errol Douglas MBE, Robert Masciave, Lisa Farrall, Jacqui McIntosh, Sam Reed Alastair Jubbs, Kathryn Dartnell and Sam Burnett. With judging complete, round two commenced.
 
Our second round began with semi-finalists then asked to create their signature look on their first model. Each individual was asked to create a look that was true to self and their hairdressing journey to date, whether that be a cut, colour or styling look. Throughout this session, judges roamed around the room chatting to each of the finalists and finding out more about their look, whilst watching in detail their skills used. Following the practical task, each stylist was asked to present their model and mood board to the panel of judges, explaining what inspired them and the step taken to create the chosen style. Each judge had their own questions for the stylists, finding out about their career to date, their creative process and also their journey within the Fellowship.
 
Fast forward to the third and final individual round, the group of semi-finalists were put to the creative test, being asked to create something extraordinary that would allow their creativity and skills to shine throughout. From rockstar mullets to vibrant vivids and colour changing craziness, this was an incredible challenge which saw our fantastic semi-finalists really channel their inner creativity and dig deep for inspiration.
 
To round off the judging section, the semi-finalists were put into groups and tasked with creating a showcase for the evening attendees. Each group developed a storytelling theme, choreographed a routine for the models and set out to wow those in the audience.
 
Fast forward to the evening session, the anticipation was at it’s peak as Fellowship President Robert Eaton and Vice President Ashleigh Hodges welcomed guests to the official Semi-Finals, explaining what the contestants had been up to during the daytime sessions and giving a brief insight into what to expect. Each of the four groups delivered exceptional shows that was creative, original and something to remember – the showcases were met with resounding cheers and rounds of applause.
 
The teams were followed by interviews with past F.A.M.E. Team members including Alistair Jubbs, Jake Unger and Lydia Wolfe along with current F.A.M.E. Team 2023 Edd Moss, Steph Gallagher, James Parr and Stacey Wright.
 
Following a creatively inspirational day and nerve-wracking finale, it was time for the finalists to be announced. The final 8 will now attend the F.A.M.E. Team finals on the 23rd October 2023 at Loft Studios.