Don’t miss out! American Crew 2016-2017 All-Star Challenge is the world’s top men’s grooming competition! Want to see what it takes to win American Crew All-Star Challenge Global Champion?
Belgium, a country known for its culture and arts and, of course, beer. The journey, however will be one with worldwide competition. Challenge entrants cut and style a male model with American Crew products and submit photos to a judging panel of industry experts who selected them as country winners based on technique, styling and their inspiration for a modern, masculine look on stage. A victory in this challenge not only places you on the professional map, but the competition charges pros with a passion for men’s grooming to create artistic, modern styles that express the vision of the American Crew man.
The top 15 finalists received an all-expense-paid trip to the competition finals in Brussels (Belgium), where they will compete to be recognized as the American Crew 2016-2017 All-Star Challenge Global Champion. Click here to meet the finalists!
The competition finals will take place on May 4-5, with the crowning of the 2016-2017 Global Champion taking place on May 8!
The All-Star Challenge combines the key aspects of the art and science in men’s grooming and style –the cut, the model, and the photograph– and brings them all together to deliver the ultimate interpretation of the American Crew man and we have founder of American Crew and master photographer David Raccuglia to share a few thoughts on the upcoming competition this week!
How exciting is for you this time of the year when the amazing All-Star Challenge competition takes place again?
“This is always a very exciting and creative time at American Crew. Looking through all of the finalist’s work/photo’s is very inspiring.“
How important is this competition for American Crew in terms of having the best groomers/barbers in the world competing all in one place?
“This is one of the largest events globally that American Crew organizes. It’s a huge part of the commitment to our professional community. I look at it like a United Nations version of a barber competition. It is awesome!“
In the global finals in Brussels, you are going to shoot the work of the 15 country winners – is this your favorite part of the competition?
“Yes, it is climatic. However, I enjoy the entire process. Looking at all of the contestants work gives me a flavor of each country and individual and where that originates from. I enjoy every part of it.“
All finalists are so excited about coming to Brussels and do this final photoshoot with you. What kind of work would you like to see from them?
“I expect their best. Competition is tough!“
Which is your best piece of advice for the finalists?
“An immaculate finish and shape. The cut needs to look great from all angles.“
Tell us about your experience in the previous editions of the All-Star Challenge.
“I am always amazed at how much I learn from younger stylists.“
Brussels will also be the place where American Crew will launch ‘Americana’ to the global audience with a spectacular show.
“Yes. The Americana collection sees hair getting longer and more textured. There is a shape there, but it is not overtly the first thing you notice about the style.“
Men’s grooming and barbering have exploded on a global scale in the last years. How do you envision the men’s beauty culture/business evolving in the future?
“The men’s grooming category has remained an example of the snow ball effect. It starts with barbering and short hair and it keeps rolling and rolling and collecting more and more styles and trends until it ended up being a much larger category today. It is now cool and excepted for a man to groom today. That is a huge improvement.“
American Crew triggered this men’s grooming revolution more than 20 years ago. What’s the brand’s mission today as a global leader?
“Our mission today is to keep expanding the category. Create better and more relevant products for today’s man.“
Can you share a little bit with us which are the most exciting American Crew projects/launches for you this year?
“This is a big year for American Crew in innovation. We have 3 very unique styling launches scheduled for this year. I believe they will be some of the biggest styling products launched in the category. We are very excited. The artistic team cannot wait for these products to hit the market. They cannot get enough of them!“
For more information, please visit www.americancrew.com/allstarchallenge