Franco Vallelonga
- Make-Up Department
Born in Perth/Australia of Italian origin, Franco always had a keen interest in art and sculpture, so it was no surprise he excelled in it at a young age, and was selected for a placement into a specialised art school at the age of 12. Leaving school at age 15 to start his apprentice in combined hairdressing. Franco trained as a men's barber first before training in women's hair. He later studied his certificate in art and design at Perth Technical College, while finishing his training in hairdressing. His keen eye for colour and perfectionism of sculpture soon began crossing over into his hairdressing. He progressed from a stylist and colourist into artistic director, working on photo shoots and educating for companies such as L'Oréal.
In 2000 ten years after working and training in Perth and Sydney, he moved to London, with one goal set in his mind, to work in fashion. It wasn't long until he began working on various hair campaigns and fashion shows as well as photographic advertising campaigns and fashion shoots. In the process he has gained invaluable experience and inspiration from assisting some of the industry's top session stylists and agencies.
Franco continued to study, sharpening his skills he has gained qualifications in hair extensions, make-up, grooming, business management, holistic massage and in 2009/10 Franco took a year out to concentrate on his teaching. As well as gaining a qualification in "teacher training" he taught City & Guilds Salon Services Level 1. Combining his skills and qualifications Franco's creative and unique style, which continues to evolve, has featured in numerous publications such as Attitude, Elle, Harpers Bazaar, Glamour, i-D, Schön!, The Fashionisto, Vogue, Volt and Wallpaper. He has worked with such labels as Adidas, Burberry, Crombie, Liberty of London, Louis Philippe, Mulberry, Qasimi Homme and Sabyasachi.
Franco has gained a number of accolades for his work including finalist in the Australian and U.K. L'Oréal Colour Trophy as well as being in the 2004 Fellowship for British Hairdressing F.A.M.E. Team. Franco consistently seeks the newest techniques and products, keeping him at the forefront of his business. Based between Mumbai India and London U.K. and represented by Ugly Duckling projects in Singapore/Asia and Faze Management in Mumbai/India. His career takes him around the world. He is a regular on the fashion circuit and works as a freelance hair stylist, colourist, men's groomer and educator. He thrives on the challenging environment of his work and has the ability to deliver original ideas that inspire those around him. He educates as part of the education teams in London and Mumbai.
Franco has gained a number of accolades for his work including finalist in the Australian and U.K. L'Oréal Colour Trophy as well as being in the 2004 Fellowship for British Hairdressing F.A.M.E. Team. Franco consistently seeks the newest techniques and products, keeping him at the forefront of his business. Based between Mumbai India and London U.K. and represented by Ugly Duckling projects in Singapore/Asia and Faze Management in Mumbai/India. His career takes him around the world. He is a regular on the fashion circuit and works as a freelance hair stylist, colourist, men's groomer and educator. He thrives on the challenging environment of his work and has the ability to deliver original ideas that inspire those around him. He educates as part of the education teams in London and Mumbai.