Top stylist Patrick Cameron, left, presents Suzanne Simmonds, third from left, with her trophy and prize after she won the Chris & Sons hairdressing competition for her 'gothic raven' look modelled by friend Kelly Tundervary, second left, and Hairdressing Lecturer Pinar Mistiki far right.
A hairdressing student’s striking ‘gothic raven’ inspired look has been named the winner in a completion for aspiring stylists at colleges across London.
Suzanne Simmonds, 36, scooped the first prize in the contest run by Chris & Sons in Enfield for her unique style, which was judged by top stylist Patrick Cameron.
She is studying a Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL), which has now produced a winner in the competition on three occasions, the other times in 2016 and 2015.
Suzanne’s winning design was one of around 20 styles created by students from 18 London colleges, including five from the CONEL, who entered in the competition.
Patrick Cameron critiques Suzanne Simmonds' 'gothic raven' look, left, and Suzanne with her winner's trophy and model and friend Kelly Tundervary, right.
Each participant had three hours to create styles on their chosen themes, which included an eclectic mix of styles, including ice maiden, modern African woman, 1940s, Queen of Hearts, Mad Hatter and a spring bride.
Suzanne’s look was modelled by friend Kelly Suzanne Simmonds who loved its complexity and admitted she would gladly wear it out.
Suzanne said: “I wanted to do something on a gothic theme. I like rock music, so that may have also influenced the look. I also think it’s unusual and a style you can be very creative with.
“Towards the end I started to feel the pressure and kept checking it to make sure it was finished, and I was really pleased with how it turned out.
“Winning this competition has given me more confidence. Patrick is the guru of long hair, and to have someone of his stature say they like your work is amazing.”
Suzanne Simmonds' 'gothic raven' look, left, and 'modern African woman' and '1940s' themed looks created by CONEL students' Jennifer Asiedu and Kamilakhan Zhuraeva for the competition.
Suzanne won a two-day masterclass with Patrick and a Babyliss Italia Brava hair dryer and Perfect Curl, and was also presented with a trophy.
Congratulating Suzanne on her success, Patrick said: “I absolutely loved the ‘raven’ because of the level of detail in the hair and the balance.
“The inspiration from the character to the execution, and the amazing outfit was on point. There was nowhere it fell down and she deserved to win and I think she is going to be a great hairdresser.”
Each student who entered the competition was presented with a selection of Babyliss products.
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