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Shortcuts Australia (1300 66 73 74) // NZ (0800 555 650)
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EVOLVE #13 ARTICLES
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Evolve Guestbook: Chris Stewart Born and bred in Shortcuts’ own home town of Brisbane, Chris has travelled Australia and the world building his current enviable ‘street cred’ amongst
numerous A-list members of the music and fashion industries. He’s
directed hair and makeup for the film clips of Silverchair, Little Birdie, Casey
Chambers and Missy Higgins, and his regular clientele includes the likes of Natalie
Imbruglia, who called on Chris to create her stunning bridal look for her big
day in 2003 with Daniel Johns.
Chris’s early days in the hairdressing industry started off fairly traditionally; he commenced his apprenticeship at the age of 18, worked his fingers to the bone and developed an undying passion for fashion, hair and beauty. 
Now, Chris is fully immersed in the world of rock n’ roll and fashion, travelling extensively throughout the Southern Coast of Australia weaving his magic on some of the country’s most notable talents. Ask Chris about his career highlights and he could go on forever… “I honestly have career highlights aplenty and I’m very lucky in that respect! In 2001 I did the Silverchair crew’s hair for the ARIA Awards where I met and formed a strong friendship and professional relationship with Natalie Imbruglia. Doing hair for Natalie and Daniel’s wedding in 2003 and Natalie’s hair for her appearance at the MTV awards this year also rate highly on my highlight list. She’s such a great girl and we’ve worked together a lot in recent years. Of the 18 film clips I’ve directed hair and makeup for, stand outs for would have to Missy Higgins’ ‘Scar’, Little Birdie’s ‘I’m Excited’, Casey Chambers’ ‘Like a River’ and of course all the Silverchair clips. And look out for an up and coming band I’ve been working closely with from scratch, Evermore. My editorial shoots for Ralph Magazine, Harpers Bazaar and Queensland Brides were all a huge blast but in particular my work with British Vogue a few years ago was a sensational experience. Currently topping my list of exciting projects is an ongoing involvement with Miss Australia Miss World, Sarah Davies’ campaign. Her fresh, natural beauty makes my job easy. I really enjoy the free spirited feeling of being an independent professional, which has afforded me opportunities to push myself and pursue my own creative direction within the industry. I draw inspiration from those I work with in both the music and fashion industries who believe in themselves and what they do, without putting themselves on a pedestal. Not that I can talk sometimes though! My take on the hairdressing industry is generally very positive. It’s great that it has progressed further afield now, allowing hairdressers to be acknowledged throughout Australia, not just in their own territory. It makes a difference to be a part of such an open field, it provides much better opportunities to achieve personal aspirations on many levels. Who wouldn’t love a job that allows so much travel? A downside to the hairdressing industry is its pricing. I just think it would be easier if there were more standard industry pricing structures. Price is now more about an artists name than their ability. I’d like to see more modest rates along the lines of $60-$75 cuts and $120 chemical work. One thing I maintain a really strong opinion on is the issue of apprentices... we need more!! Where are they? Let’s get behind apprentices and make it easier for them to break into the industry. There’s a great future to be had in hairdressing so the prospect needs to be made more attractive… like letting them know their goals and dreams can be achieved! I’d like to see more encouragement towards the next generation of our industry’s leaders, and education about the diversity of opportunities out there. There are a number of events which have shaped the hairdressing industry and contributed to its increasing recognition, like the L’Oréal Colour Trophy and Melbourne and Sydney Fashion Weeks. Essentially though, I attribute much of the industry’s development to the music industry, specifically the MTV and ARIA Awards whose rock influence has paved the way for a refreshing direction in hair fashion. Along the same lines, I believe body art is having a huge influence on modern hairstyles and the direction the hair industry is taking. Being different and taking risks with image is no longer about being rebellious and defiant, it’s now accepted as mere self-expression. I think this is being reflected more and more in hair styling which can only mean good things for our industry and the potential for creativity. Look out for more individuality and self-expression in the form of creative tattoos and other body art.” After hours, Chris maintains a fairly relaxed lifestyle and draws pleasure from the simple things; like tasting new cocktails, trying different restaurants and cafes and having a good old dance in the lounge room. Running his café, Loading Dock, in Brisbane’s trendy West End keeps him eternally busy and he’s currently in the midst of incorporating a small hair and makeup studio out the back in an effort to fit more clients into his busy day.
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