X-TEND Magazine issue 02 | Page 10

BEHIND THE SCENES Creating the collection B uilding on the RAT Pack’s previous success in creating the rather stunning Vintage Collection, team members were once again tasked to create another collection, our latest called White Noise. And boy oh boy, did the gang come up with the goods! The vibe for this shoot was to design sexy, sultry looks showing the awesome potential of imaginative extension application. Models were chosen for their scorching appeal as well as their gorgeous hair. And styling wise, to use the purity of white to accentuate the beauty of the hair with as little distraction as possible... err yeah, we agree, maybe those incredibly long legs are just a teeny bit distracting..! Photographer Jack Eames Make-up artist Maddie Austin The RAT Pack raring to go & ready for action Above: RAT Packers Nikki & Jayne Right:Creative Director Stephen Messias & M.D. Claire Bartley Under the direction of Racoon International Creative Director, Stephen Messias, several interactive team meetings led to harmonious agreement about hair direction. For the task in hand Stephen chose six RAT Pack team members to work in pairs: Amy Donaldson and Dawne Cooper for ombre/mid-brown Hot-Bonded extensions; Elaine Sullivan-Child and Jayne Bond for platinum blonde Pre-Bonded extensions and Esther Sweenie-Rowe and Nikki Gallimore for very dark brown Micro Wefts. 10 Next – photographer choice. Equipped with an inspiring work portfolio, several hairdressing award-winners’ successes, an open-minded enthusiasm, a cool and calm manner (which makes for a stressless studio environment) and for simply being a flippin’ super bloke to work with – choosing Jack Eames was a no-brainer. And who are we to question his recommendation of make-up artist Maddie Austin and clothes stylist Claire Frith. A magical little team. Structured and timetabled to run like clockwork (thanks t