Two-time AMFW chief hair stylist and the go to guy of celebrities far and wide, Johnnie Sapong gives us the low down on supermodels, fatherhood and the wonders of a messy up do....
What’s been keeping you busy recently? For fashion weeks, I went to New York for Duro Olowu's show and did Martine Rose, Oliver Spencer and Rake here in London. I did a Vogue cover with the original supermodels Claudia, Eva and Helena and a joint shoot for a Duran Duran video and Harper’s Bazaar cover with Eva, Helena, Naomi and Jasmin. That was a lot of fun. Then there was a Marie Claire cover with Jessica Ennis, the new Dior Campaign with Jude Law and I have been doing a lot with Lily Cole on various projects too, including The Body Shop. In between all of that my wife and I had our fourth baby boy, Cainan. So I have not slept much in the last year. Plus, I won the Africa Fashion Award for Outstanding Contribution to Hair Direction 2011.
How do you feel about coming back to AMFW this year? I was very excited. We had such a crazy time last year doing around 50 shows in three days. It was great to be part of something so big and this year it was even bigger. It was go go go as soon as we got off the plane. First we met with local suppliers who were sponsoring the shows with product and hair extensions including Rita from Hair Limited. We then got to know the local team who were assisting us on the shows and presented the looks we had prepared for AMFW to all of the designers. With over 70 shows to get through in four days it was necessary to group designers together into certain styles.
Which designers’ shows did you enjoy seeing? Ozwald Botang. I have followed his career since the beginning. His suits are the best. I also loved Tiffany Amber and KLuK CGDT. I could name loads but on the whole the standard was really good.
What were your key looks at AMFW? I like a messy up do, it’s sexy and very effective. This season it’s all about working with lots of different textures rather than styles. The ponytail is everywhere, whether worn high, low or mid. It's very versatile and you can change your look easily with it.
Where do you find inspiration? Everyday life is my biggest inspiration, whether it’s an artwork or a girl walking down the street. Inspiration for me can be taken from anywhere or anyone.
What are your tried and tested products? I love the Olive Oil range for Afro hair as it adds a lot of much needed moisture to the hair. We also took a selection of Goodies hair slides and clips to AMFW, which were great for changing the hair up quickly.
What hair-styling tools are you never without? A teasing brush, Mason Pearson flat brush, WAM hairdryer and irons and a pin tail comb.