London born Viviene Mackinder was artistic director for Vidal Sassoon and international creative director for Trevor Sorbie.
She is a 7 time NAHA awards winner including “lifetime achievement “in 2009.
She inspires and impresses many around the world with her education platform work winning her the Leo Passage Educator of the year award from Intercoifure.
Her hair creations have been featured in publications such as modern salon showing her tasteful finishes and across fashion runways for Vivienne Westwood, NYFW, Vogue fashion awards and VH1.
She is also the founder of hairdesignertv.net
Vivienne, how did you originally get into hairstyling before joining Vidal Sassoon?
I studied at the London College of Fashion with the goal to be a hairstylist for Film and Theatre, but that changed when I took a course at Vidal Sassoon during my college holidays. That one month course changed the direction of my career and life. When I was a student at VS I was asked to join the company. Even though I was young and naive about the profession, I knew that with a pedigree training all doors in the world would open to me. At the age of 23, I became Artistic Director for Vidal Sassoon.
I realized I would have to work so hard and study to become an expert, but little did I know that 40 years later I would still be a student of my craft! The rest is history!
Who or what inspires your creations?
I became a Creative Director for Trevor Sorbie, this brilliant man taught me how to see shapes, colors, texture and be open to explore. He then showed me how to translate an idea and interpret into a beautiful style; reminding me that there is a fine line between creativity and ugly. P.S. He made this comment when looking at a style that I had created when my creativity had gone too far and lost its beauty. So with this in mind what inspires me? Music, fashion, words, movies, history, art, nature all are sources of inspiration. It’s about a willingness to be curious and let ideas marinate, explore, evaluate and never compromise beauty. In addition; now through social media it is so much easier to follow my hair heroes who also inspire me, continuing my love affair with the art of beautiful hair.
What words of advice would you give to aspiring hairstylists?
Strong classic technical background, learn the rules before you break the rules. Then with strong technique be creative. Remember that “fashion is fleeting while the technique is timeless”. Vivienne Mackinder.
Be a lifelong learner, develop successful rituals, that allow for growth. Set aside one hour a week for real study, beyond browsing on Instagram. A plan and laser focus on intentional learning versus accidental learning. Join my exclusive membership website with over 900 videos and make a date with me each week. I am in the business of changing lives at http://hairdesignertv.mykajabi.com/
What are your favorite styling products at the moment?
I am enjoying working with thermal setting sprays as I am doing more work with irons so I am looking for set longevity.
