Glamorous Graffiti is all the rage

Glamorous Graffiti evokes different visions to different people. I think of designer fashion with prints reminiscent of detailed, artistic graffiti you see along the by-ways. Emily Radzins, the creative director behind it, used American Graffiti as her inspiration—the iconic movie about coming of age with fast cars and good times.

No matter what vision comes to mind, The Academy Waukesha, Paul Mitchell, wanted to use it as a vehicle to raise money for different charities; specifically Children’s Miracle Network, Magic Johnson Foundation and Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation (a scholarship program for Academy students). The goal was $30,000. This event was the last project in a series of fundraisers for them to achieve their goal.

The event centered around a hair and fashion show that had an element of friendly competition to it. Besides The Academy, HQ Salons, Beauty Salon and Roots Salon all participated to see who created the best hair art in different categories.

Dave Simon and Cathi Simon are the owners of The Academy and were welcoming attendees and making sure everything was going according to schedule. I had the pleasure of speaking with Danya Sasada, sales leader at The Academy, and she told me that the Simons walk the talk. They’re both very caring people for both their students and employees. Danya also told me that the culture of Paul Mitchell, and specifically The Academy, is “Be Nice.” This means they have a very accepting and fun environment. The students are taught to be good citizens. Obviously, the Simons fit right into this culture (and promote it).

Glamorous Graffiti was held at Mercedes Benz of Elmbrook, who donated the use of the dealership showroom and prep area. It’s a great space for a fashion show. There was plenty of room for a large crowd and the runways that the models sauntered down.

Jarrett Bush, #24 of the Packers, donated (yes, as far as I know, he didn’t get paid) his time and energy to the event by modeling with the different salons. Jarrett added swagger to the event and was very approachable, friendly and had no airs about him. Huge kudos to him for being part of this event. He’s so down to earth that he provided his own clothes to model in, which of course he looked great in. He also stayed after to pose for pictures and sign autographs for his adoring fans, where he could have easily ducked out as soon as he was done modeling.

HQ Salons (also owned by the Simons) began the extravaganza with looks ranging from very casual to loaded with bling. I liked that they included men in their lineup.

Roots Salon was next with many different looks including some great intricate hair styles. Their updos were fun and funky with lots of color.

Beauty was next who used New York Fashion Week as their inspiration. They all had clean, refined hairstyles and makeup. All of the models wore dresses and gowns that were handmade by a designer (I didn’t catch the name). These were my favorite fashion looks. I really enjoyed the higher end, more editorial looks. Models were provided by Tres Chic.

Last but definitely not least came The Academy with their colorful, creative, over the top looks. The first look that modeled with Jarrett Bush was a multicolored faux hawk. That set the tone for the rest of their lineup. My favorite look was created by Amanda, who made the BMW hair art with the BMW symbol on top of her head and rims (which looked like rollers) on the sides of her head. Her hair was straight in the back with black lines which looked like a tire ran over her. She also had tons of bling on her face was completed the look. Loved it!

After all of this fun and frivolity, the judges determined the winners of the friendly competition:

HQ—most wearable

Roots—most editorial

Beauty—most elegant

Academy—most creative

There was an announcement that you could vote for your favorite look by using money to cast your vote. Whomever got the most money won as crowd favorite. Of course all of the money went to the charities. #41, Bri/Kelly won with $241. Good going ladies! It was a fun evening of beauty and fashion with the best part being that individuals were helped with the money that was raised for charity.