How did this project come about?
The collaboration grew from a shared interest in creativity, innovation, and nurturing emerging talent.
Vidal Sassoon and Vogue College of Fashion both have a strong heritage rooted in education and pushing creative boundaries, so there was a natural synergy between the two institutions.
The project began following an introductory talk delivered by Mark Hayes, Senior International Creative Director at Sassoon, where he explored the history of the Sassoon brand, its influence on modern hair design, and how creativity continues to evolve across fashion, beauty, and culture.
The talk provided students with insight into the brand’s heritage, creative philosophy, and commitment to innovation.
From those conversations, it became clear there was an exciting opportunity to create a collaborative project that would allow students to engage directly with industry professionals while bringing their own ideas and perspectives to the table.
Each student team was subsequently allocated a member of the Sassoon Future Creatives team, creating a partnership that encouraged creative exchange, mentorship, and collaboration throughout the development process.
Working closely together, they explored concepts, refined ideas, and ultimately brought their creative visions to life.
The partnership became a natural extension of the shared values held by both organizations: creativity, education, and supporting the next generation of talent.
How did everyone get matched up and how did they collaborate together?
The matching process was based on creative compatibility and shared interests.
Once students had presented their initial concepts, we paired them with members of the Future Creatives team whose skills and creative approach aligned with the direction of the work.
The collaboration developed through regular meetings, both in person and online, where ideas were shared, challenged, and refined.
Mood boards played a key role in establishing visual direction, alongside references from fashion, art, architecture, music, and culture.
As the project progressed, teams continued to exchange ideas, review developments, and problem-solve together, ensuring the final looks remained true to the original vision while benefiting from professional insight and technical expertise.
How involved did you and Mark get in the project?
Richard: Our role was very much to guide and support rather than direct. From the outset, it was important that the students felt empowered to develop and own their ideas, so we were there to offer mentorship, creative feedback, and industry insight throughout the process.
Mark: The Future Creatives team was involved at key stages, helping students refine concepts, challenge their thinking, and translate ideas into achievable outcomes. We wanted to create an environment where experimentation was encouraged, while also sharing the technical and creative expertise that comes from working within the industry.
Richard: What was particularly rewarding was seeing how each team interpreted the brief in their own way. The students brought fresh perspectives and new ways of thinking, and our role was to help nurture those ideas rather than influence them too heavily.
Mark: It became a genuine collaboration. There was a great exchange of ideas throughout, and while we provided guidance when needed, the creative vision always belonged to the students.
That’s what makes projects like this so exciting—the opportunity to support emerging talent while learning from them at the same time.
How vital are collaborative projects like this one – how do they contribute?
Collaborative projects are incredibly important because they bridge the gap between education and industry.
They provide students with real-world experience while giving established professionals the opportunity to engage with new perspectives and emerging ways of thinking.
Creativity thrives through exchange, and projects like this create valuable conversations between different generations of creatives.
They help build confidence, develop professional skills, and encourage experimentation in a supportive environment.
Just as importantly, they help ensure the future of our industries remains diverse, innovative, and forward-thinking.
Will you be looking to do this again in future years?
Absolutely. The success of the project has reinforced the value of creating opportunities for emerging talent to collaborate with industry professionals.
Initiatives like this are mutually beneficial; students gain insight and experience, while we gain fresh perspectives and inspiration.
We would love to continue building relationships with educational institutions and creating future opportunities that encourage innovation, creativity, and professional development.
“Industry collaborations such as this one with Vidal Sassoon are central to our ethos of providing real industry experience for our students. They learn how to work in teams across different areas of the industry giving them an up-to-date snapshot of the career landscape they are entering, as well as emerging with a CV that already includes real, tangible industry experience.”—Hannah Shakir, Program Leader, BA (Hons) Fashion Communication & Industry Practice
Modern Rock Romance
Drawing inspiration from the spirit of rock icons and contemporary femininity, this collection explores confidence through movement, texture, and attitude.
Soft, undone hair contrasts with strong silhouettes and dark styling elements, creating a look that feels rebellious yet refined.
The result is a modern expression of strength, individuality, and effortless glamour.
Crowned in Texture
Celebrating natural texture as a statement of beauty and identity, this collection explores volume, shape, and presence.
Contrasting structured garments with organic forms, the looks challenge conventional notions of elegance while embracing authenticity. The hair becomes both a focal point and a symbol of self-expression.
Ethereal Motion
Inspired by movement, light, and transformation, this collection explores the relationship between fashion and emotion.
Flowing fabrics, layered textures, and soft silhouettes create a dreamlike quality, while the hair remains understated to allow the narrative of movement and form to take center stage. The result is both delicate and powerful.
Shadow Play
This collection examines the contrast between light and dark, strength and vulnerability.
Dramatic silhouettes are enhanced through sculpted styling and directional imagery, creating a cinematic visual language.
Precision and structure are balanced with softness, resulting in a look that feels both timeless and contemporary.
Color Disruption
Playful, energetic, and unapologetically bold, this collection explores color as a form of creative rebellion.
Unexpected combinations, exaggerated proportions, and graphic styling challenge traditional fashion conventions. The look celebrates experimentation, individuality, and the freedom to redefine personal style.
Veiled Minimalism
A study in restraint and elegance, this collection focuses on silhouette, texture, and subtle detail.
Inspired by themes of concealment and revelation, delicate veiling and clean lines create a sense of mystery and sophistication.
The hair complements the simplicity of the styling, allowing the concept to speak through form and composition.
Gain Hands-On Experience Across Business and Creative Disciplines
Learn more about the BA (Hons) Fashion Communication & Industry Practice program at Vogue College of Fashion.
