Face of 2016 finalists revealed

Hundreds of model hopefuls were whittled down to just 12 girls who will go onto compete for the title of Face of 2016. The model competition was launched by online fashion magazine Sugahfix.com, hair and makeup school The Makeup Dept. and local fashion leading lights Una Rodden and Grainne Maher to find new faces to take part in alternative fashion shoots and shows throughout the year.

Award winning accessories designer and boutique owner Grainne Maher said, “We wanted to find new faces that would get involved in some really cool fashion events – art style installations. So we needed models that were a little different from the typical ‘Miss’ model competition entrants. We’re looking for the cool fashion girls who will bring their own style to the process”.

The first photoshoot with the first 6 finalists has revealed that Northern Ireland has some serious modelling talent. Fashion photographer Kelly McAllister noted, “Two of the girls in particular were absolute naturals – from the first shot we barely needed to take any more as the shot was perfect. That’s when you know you have amazing model potential.”

HD brows – banished!

Students at The Makeup Dept created hair and makeup looks. The Level 2 Fashion & Photographic students created flawless skin and statement eyes or lips. “With fashion make up for a photoshoot it’s not about putting on every product in your kit.  It’s about creating a look that compliments the clothes, when you look at the shot you should see a beautiful girl and beautiful clothes, you shouldn’t ‘see’ the makeup,” noted hair and make-up designer Pamela Smyth, from her studio at The Makeup Dept. in Belfast. “The girls did so well for their first photoshoot – no heavy contouring or a HD brow to be seen – they really ‘got’ it!”

Setting the trend.

Hairstyles was created by three students who had just completed the Period Hair course at The Makeup Dept. so they go to try out their roller setting and dressing-out skills.  Pamela said “Shaia, Kelly and Paula all used the setting and styling skills they learned on the Period hair course. The girls then adapted these skills for a modern look proving what we teach for make up and hairstyling allow students to input their creative flair and not just stick rigidly to ‘this is a 20s style or this is a 40s style’ they take their skills to the next level.”

Building control.

The location for the fashion shoot was the chic studio of Thompson Clarke interior designers. Stylist and Sugahfix.com editor Katrina Doran said “I spotted Thompson Clarke’s interior design studio in the building across the way from The Make up Dept. in Portview Trade Centre, they always have fabulous lamps and furniture in the window and a huge real Olive tree, it’s a beautiful space and married with the colours and textures of Una Rodden’s collection really beautifully.  The models just had to walk across the link between the two buildings to the location – practicing their catwalk skills as they went! It was ideal!”

Style stories.

Una Rodden’s SS16 collection has two colour stories – soft and glamorous looks in taupe tones and dusky pink silks and a vibrant punchy collection of emerald green, bright pink and zesty orange.    Accessories from Grainne Maher::Vault boutique in Spire’s Mall complimented Una’s garments with handmade jewellery by Emma Manley, painted leather bags by Lisa Ryder and studded leather accessories by Una Burke and millinery by Grainne Maher.

For more information on hair and makeup courses at The Makeup Dept. log onto www.themakeupdept.com

For updates on Grainne Maher:: Vault boutique at Spires Mall, Belfast follow the store on facebook.

Credits:

Photography by Kelly McAllister

Styling by Katrina Doran for Sugahfix.com 

Caitlyn – makeup by Louise Kidd, hair by Shaia Hassay, silk dress by Una Rodden.

Melissa  – Make up by Eden Cowell. Hair by Paula McNeill, Silk dress by Una Rodden; Necklace by Emma Manley, studded belt and Leather clutch by Una Burke all at Grainne Maher:: Vault.

Chloe – make up by Katrina Doran, hair by Kelly McAllister, shell dress by Una Rodden.

Dionne  – Makeup by Rosie Morrow, Hair by Kelly Campbell, Printed one shoulder top by Una Rodden, studded bag by Una Burke at Grainne Maher:: Vault.

Orlagh  – Make up by Francess Mullen, Hair by Paula McNeill, Emerald Green top and black full skirt by Una Rodden, painted handbag by Lisa Ryder, green cocktail hair by Grainne Maher both at Grainne Maher::Vault.

Rebecca – makeup by Aisling Megahey, hair by Shaia Hassay,  Birds of Paradise coat dress from Una Rodden, Velvet cocktail hair by Grainne Maher.