THE FÍGARO AWARDS
MY EXPERIENCE IN THE FÍGARO AWARDS
INTRODUCTION
My name is Nicolò Pecorilla, a passionate hairdressing stylist devoted to art and creativity. I live in Granada, Spain, but I am originally from Salerno, Italy. At the time of writing, I am 23 years old. This article shares my journey and experience at the Fígaro Awards.
My hairdressing journey began in September 2022 when I enrolled in a one-year barbering course at a hairdressing and makeup academy in Granada. My teacher, Juan Luis Soria, not only taught me barbering fundamentals but also nurtured my passion for the industry.
After finishing the course, I worked at a salon in Ireland for a summer before returning to Granada to pursue a Higher Degree in Styling and Hairdressing Management. This decision opened new opportunities.
Our academy offered students a chance to submit a collection for the Fígaro Awards in the Spanish Student of the Year 2024 category. Interested students needed to develop a concept and sketches to create a compelling proposal. That’s how “ESSENZA” was born.
INSPIRATION BEHIND “ESSENZA”
I have always admired art, particularly the Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo periods. My collection’s foundation stemmed from these aesthetics, but I wanted a modern touch. I incorporated fantasy colors, light effects, and contemporary cuts and textures that contrast the styles from the 15th to 18th centuries.
I combined soft shapes with structured designs, ensuring that each style evoked different emotions in the viewer.
Below is the concept behind “ESSENZA”:
“ESSENZA” merges classical artistic influences with modern trends. Traditional elements intertwine with contemporary and seasonal aesthetics, creating a captivating visual experience.
The collection explores a diverse color palette, ranging from soft and relaxed to bold and striking. It captures artistic essence in a fresh, contemporary way.
Each look embodies opulence, elegance, illumination, and resilience. The collection is driven by cultural rediscovery, emotional intensity, complex forms, and innovative hair lighting techniques.
Finally, I was honored to bring “ESSENZA” to life.
CREATIVE PROCESS AND DEVELOPMENT
I started by sketching the hairstyles and defining the aesthetic of the three looks. I found models at my academy, while classmates from the makeup course volunteered for makeup. The missing piece was the wardrobe. I reached out to a fashion and design academy in Granada, where I found period corsets—perfect for my vision.
The process had its challenges. I researched cutting techniques, experimented with shapes and volumes, and developed innovative hair lighting effects. There were also internal disagreements within the team, but we resolved them through collaboration.
For the photoshoot, the academy hired one of Spain’s top photographers. We spent the morning applying colors and the afternoon executing the cuts. Two days later, we returned to finalize preparations. The results exceeded my expectations—”ESSENZA” had become a reality.
EXPERIENCE AT THE FÍGARO AWARDS
On May 10, 2024, the Fígaro Awards announced the pre-finalists for the Student of the Year category. I was among the top 10 in Spain. I was overwhelmed with excitement.
The next challenge was the technical day at IFEMA, Madrid, organized by Club Fígaro. Qualified contestants had to create a hairstyle for a photoshoot with Esteban Roca. These images would determine the three finalists.
After gathering my team and traveling to Madrid, we completed the session successfully. The final image was exceptional. I felt confident about securing a finalist position.
Two months later, the finalist announcement arrived. I was certain I would be among them, but I wasn’t. I did not make it to the top three. It was frustrating, but I learned a crucial lesson:
“When you create something, make it so extraordinary that not even a big brand can overshadow you.”
That same night, I was already brainstorming ideas for my next collection.
FINAL REFLECTION
This experience changed my perspective. While I wasn’t fully satisfied with the outcome, I felt proud to have made it this far in my first year studying women’s hairdressing. My drive to surpass my limits has only grown stronger.
Currently, I am in my final year of the Higher Degree while working at a salon. I will continue competing, pushing my creativity, and immersing myself in this fascinating industry.
This is just the beginning. “ESSENZA” was the start, but my journey of creativity and determination has only begun. I encourage everyone to follow their dreams. As my barbering mentor always says: “If you believe and work hard, you can do it.”
Thank you for reading.
The Hair Magazine is proud to share inspiring stories like mine, highlighting the dedication and artistry of hair professionals worldwide.
Nicolò Pecorilla
