Salon Hype Stylists Take Global Fashion Week

Salon Hype stylists Maureen Krug and Kristina Kunce saw first hand the behind-the-scenes machinations of Global Fashion Week when they were guests of L’Oreal Professional at the Berlin, Germany weeklong event earlier this month. Krug and Kunce spent six days in the glamorous city taking in the sites and cuisine in between runway preparations and daily professional training classes taught by Europe’s top editorial stylists. “Never Stop Learning,” L’Oreal Professional’s motto, was the purpose of the trip for these veteran stylists who have been with Salon Hype for nearly nine years.

From avant gard and runway styles to the everyday, wearable hair that Salon Hype is famous for, Krug and Kunce participated in what they described as intense 7-hour training sessions where they learned from two of L’Oreal Professional’s top European editorial stylists. Krug, who has a fabulous eye for color learned how to master a very detailed basket woven up do, a couture technique she always wanted to add to her repertoire. “It took me three hours, but I did it!” said Krug. “The entire week was inspiring. Only 23 stylists from across the United States were chosen to attend Global Fashion Week as guests of L’Oreal Professional, and Kristina and I were thrilled that Ross and Carissa Bartolomei, owners of Salon Hype, entrusted us to represent the salon. It was indeed an honor and a fantastic week,” Krug continued.

What Kunce, who works in the Burr Ridge salon, brought back to home may sound a bit more basic. “I learned, really for the first time, how to finish a haircut. I learned how to carve hair with scissors, how to cut into and blend the hair,” said Kunce. “It’s a process that takes a bit more time, but the end result is beautiful. The hair just moves, it’s easier to blow dry and it feels lighter. Learning how to finish a cut makes all the difference in the look and I have been so excited to bring this back to my clients,” said Kunce.

Both Krug and Kunce describe their Berlin trip as an incredible week spent with the most creative minds in the business. “Going behind the scenes of the fashion shows and observing the hair and make-up where it’s often hot, sweaty and nothing glamorous about it, gave us a new found respect for the stylists and it makes us love what we do even more. “It was simply the most amazing, inspiring experience!” said Krug.

“L’Oreal Professional and it’s flagship brands Kerastase and Shu Uemura have developed a very strong relationship with us that we value tremendously,” said Ross Bartolomei, “It has really become a partnership that is growing beyond my expectations, and because of this I want my entire team to have the opportunity to experience what Maureen and Kristina did in Berlin! I can’t wait until next year’s Global Fashion Week. Salon Hype will be there,” Bartolomei added.

To schedule an appointment with Maureen Krug or Kristina Kunce or for information about Salon Hype, visit www.salonhype.com. Days and hours of operation are Monday 10:00 – 10:00, Tuesday 9:00 – 10:00, Wednesday 8:00 – 8:00, Thursday, 8:00 – 9:00, Friday 8:00 – 6:00, Saturday 8:00 – 5:00, and closed on Sunday. Walk-ins are welcome. To schedule an appointment or consultation in La Grange, please call 708-352-4222. For an appointment or consultation in Burr Ridge call 630-323-4222.