Tom Connell's career in hairdressing began not with scissors, but with a pair of football boots at age 13. His father offered him three days of work at the family salon to earn the money for them. Saturdays working there proved addictive, drawn to the older clientele and their distinct style.
After school, Connell moved to Andrew Collinge in Manchester, finding the city life exhilarating. A pivotal moment came when seeing Trevor Sorbie perform, inspiring Connell to pursue more than local salon work. This led to an apprenticeship with Sorbie, who emphasised that true learning begins after passing formal qualifications.
Seeking a different approach to hair shows, Connell invested personal savings into his own production. This initiative caught Trevor Sorbie's eye, leading to an Assistant Art Director role. Within a year, Connell ascended to Global Art Director, a position he held while mentored by Sorbie.
Six years ago, Davines recruited Connell as their Art Director. This marked a significant shift from leading a salon company to working for a global brand. He has since relocated his family to Italy, living near the Davines village in Parma for the past four years.
Connell's creative process involves daily review of his idea wall in his Parma studio. His inspiration stems from integrating personal interests outside hairdressing, such as fashion, film, and music, into his work. He meticulously documents anything that captures his attention, later reviewing these notes for thematic connections.
For aspiring hairdressers, Connell advises forging a unique path rather than following trends. He stresses the importance of developing a personal style and making an original statement. This approach, he believes, is the only way to truly stand out in the industry.
Connell is currently developing concepts for this year's photography campaigns and planning international shows. His role involves extensive travel for campaign launches, including recent trips to Mexico, Amsterdam, Ireland, America, and Japan. He views his career as fortunate, turning a passion into his profession.
