We first met Sheetal Mallar in India when she was suggested as THE model for one of our early shoot campaigns. That was certainly one of the best decisions I made.
By Nimaya Nanayakkara
Meet Vasantha De Silva, the face and visionary behind one of Sri Lanka’s most popular salon destinations, Kess Salon. In this interview, Vasantha shares the ins and outs of his experience in the beauty industry and discusses his latest shoot, ‘Timeless’.
Q: Could you share a brief overview of your journey in the industry?
As a brand, and I, as the face of it- I specialise in curly hair and brown girl beauty, and I travel between Sri Lanka and Australia throughout the year to serve my clients in both locations. Since its inception, Kess Salon has carved a significant niche in the hair industry, known for its unwavering commitment to excellence. The salon’s dedication to consistency has distinguished Kess Salon in the competitive hair industry.
Q: Can you describe the concept and theme of your latest shoot?
The concept for our latest shoot for Kess Salon is called “Timeless,” highlighting the enduring elegance of our cuts and styles. This theme emphasises the classic beauty and sophistication of our hair designs, which remain stylish and relevant through the years. By focusing on the timeless quality of our work, we aim to showcase how our salon’s expertise creates looks that are both contemporary and everlasting.
Q: I’ve been told that you are bringing back the first model you worked with in India, for this shoot. Can you tell me a little bit about her and the story of how you began working with her?
We first met Sheetal Mallar in India when she was suggested as THE model for one of our early shoot campaigns. That was certainly one of the best decisions I made. After many years, we reconnected this year when Prabath was in India to do makeup for a Sabyasachi shoot. Meeting her again, I realised she would be perfect for our newest campaign, given that she was one of the iconic faces of Kess.
Our timeless campaign celebrates the unique beauty and diversity of brown girls. It features three distinct looks that highlight our expertise in hair styling. The first look showcases our techniques for curly hair, enhancing its natural texture and volume.
Q: How do you select the models you work with, and what qualities do you believe are essential for a successful shoot?
At Kess Salon, our selection process for models is meticulous and intentional, focusing on individuals who embody the essence of our brand. We prioritise diversity, ensuring that the models we choose reflect a range of skin tones, hair textures, and personal styles. In our latest campaign, Kess Salon has selected three diverse melanin beauties, each bringing their unique charm and personality to the forefront.
Q: What specific styles or techniques will you be showcasing in the “Timeless” shoot that differ from your previous campaigns?
Our timeless campaign celebrates the unique beauty and diversity of brown girls. It features three distinct looks that highlight our expertise in hair styling. The first look showcases our techniques for curly hair, enhancing its natural texture and volume. The second look focuses on soft and wavy hair, emphasising a gentle, flowing aesthetic. Finally, the third look is dedicated to short cuts, demonstrating our ability to create chic, stylish, and versatile short hairstyles.
Q: How has your past work influenced the concept and execution of the “Timeless” shoot?
Every shoot and every campaign we have done over the years has only improved with each iteration. Our team has continually refined our creative vision and technical execution, learning from each experience to elevate the quality of our work. This current campaign is a culmination of all the knowledge, skills, and creativity we have developed over the years, brought together to create something truly exceptional.
Q: What inspired the wardrobe and accessories choices for this shoot, and how do they complement your hair designs?
Since our focus is on skin and hair, we have intentionally given minimal to no attention to wardrobes or accessories. Our aim is to capture the models in their element, ensuring that the spotlight remains on the hair and skin. To achieve this, we opted for minimalistic and black wardrobes that do not distract from the main focus, allowing their textures, colours, and health to take centre stage in our visuals.
