Stylist Greg Addison blows the lid off conventional fashions
by S. Rotan Hale
Who needs the runways of New York, Milan, Barcelona and Paris when you’ve got Greg Addison and his production team of hair and fashion conscious professionals on the case.
Through their collective approach, Roanoke’s Jefferson Center was alive Saturday, Aug. 13, as Addison presented his “World Tour Hair and Fashion Show.” For years this extraordinary review that fuses art, fashion and hairstyles, has provided a creativity explosion like none other in the area.
Greg is owner/operator of Hair Attitudes, one of the area’s most popular salons. To know him is to understand his level of perfection and his unyielding desire to bring out the best in himself and anyone connected to his projects big or small.
Ashley Marshall was poised, beautiful and on point as the show’s MC who delightfully handled the proceedings and added the perfect touch to this multi-faceted production.
The show featured an elaborate display of cutting edge styles representing Europe, Asia and South America. It opened in a dynamic Afrocentric setting that quickly led into a high-energy tribal dance routine. The well-choreographed scene was symbolic to the universal understanding that Africa (i.e. the Motherland) is considered by many authorities to be the seat of civilization–hence, “the beginning.”
Those who packed the auditorium were immersed in a fashion extravaganza that, like all of Greg’s shows, was an extension of his exuberant and flawless flair and most of all his attention to detail.
Few attendees (if any) remotely objected to the show’s 3-hour length as most anxiously awaited the next dazzling moment of the show accentuated by a pageantry of rich colors and dynamic themes.
A lengthy line-up of voluptuous models exquisitely draped in affordable and elegant ensembles, proudly pranced across the stage in sync with pulsating music that added to the production’s overall appeal.
Several of the more tantalizing displays spoke directly to the guys in the audience who for the most part sat wide-eyed in awe. The show was not without several handsome male models, some beefy and well-built who provided the perfect treat for the ladies.
“When I first met with my styling team I told them that I wanted this to be a production where all of us can join forces to bring my vision together in support of the Renaissance Academy to which portions of the event’s proceeds will be donated,” said Greg.
The Renaissance Academy is a program founded by local educator and mentor Jarel Rhodes. Its purpose is to equip middle and high school African Americans with skills preparing them for college and other successful paths.
The stunning 3-teared affair also involved a VIP gathering in the Jeff Center’s Fitzpatrick Hall prior to the show and concluded with a fabulous after party under the stars on the roof of the Science Museum. Greg is relentless in his pursuit to produce unforgettable shows guaranteed to satisfy the most discriminating fashion and hair enthusiast.
He is a master artist who undoubtedly understands the first rule in the book of entertainment and uses it well… “always leave’m wanting more.”
