If you’ve ever dreamed of working backstage at New York Fashion Week, master session stylist Joseph DiMaggio and Hattori Hanzo Shears are here to help make that dream a reality.
The two industry forces have teamed up on the latest iteration of DiMaggio’s immersive backstage hair experience called Beyond Backstage. The four day workshop, which takes place from November 17-20 in Las Vegas, NV, promises to give stylists of all levels firsthand experience and insight into the realities of backstage hairstyling in the incredibly fast-paced world of fashion. Not only do attendees receive intensive hands-on training to help them thrive behind-the-scenes, but they’ll also be given the opportunity of a lifetime: a chance to assist DiMaggio and his session and education team Shokunin Clik, backstage at an upcoming NYFW show. Priced at $4,000, this exclusive workshop could be potentially life-changing for the 20 individuals who are lucky enough to secure a spot.
For DiMaggio, this Beyond Backstage course is his way of helping other stylists break into the world of editorial and session styling, much like how he was helped early in his career. He’s now recognized as a highly in-demand session artist in our industry, working alongside top designers at major fashion weeks across the globe and on the set of numerous fashion editorial shoots.
“Through years of hard work and dedication, one of my mentors recognized my potential and gave me a chance to start my session career. That single opportunity transformed my efforts into a thriving and diverse career. This experience ignited my passion for helping others, as a way to give back to the industry that has given me so much,” say DiMaggio. “After hearing countless stories about the difficulties others face in getting the chance to work backstage or collaborating with other key artists, I knew we could create something better to close the gap between the session/editorial world and the salon industry, and have it be a win-win for everyone. It still requires hard work, rigorous training, and the right mindset, but the opportunity is there for those who are truly committed. That’s why ‘Beyond Backstage’ was created—to offer that opportunity to anyone ready to put in the work and who shares the passion for being there for the right reasons.”
Having the opportunity to work with Hanzo on this backstage course is especially exciting for DiMaggio, who shares a close relationship with the company’s founders and has spent the past year collaborating with them on some really exciting projects. “What many people don’t realize is that Hanzo has grown into the largest education company in the industry, offering over 400 in-person cutting classes every month. I’ve never seen a company so dedicated to helping artists thrive and supporting the growth of the industry,” he says. “This level of commitment to artists is something that deeply resonates with me, which is why I’m genuinely excited to be a part of these bigger projects and initiatives we’re launching next season. What we are building is truly refreshing and inspiring.”
An Inside Look into the World of Backstage Styling
So what, exactly, can stylists expect from Beyond Backstage? As an attendee, you’ll have the pleasure of being instructed by DiMaggio and his team who will prepare you with all of the foundational skills, knowledge, and creative techniques that you need to join them backstage at fashion week. This is critical as styling hair for a major fashion show or presentation is unlike anything you might experience working in the salon.
“I often share that the skills required for this work are vastly different from those used behind the chair in salons,” says DiMaggio. “While you do learn a lot, it’s not a typical learning environment —the standards are incredibly high, and the pressure leaves no room for mistakes. You’re also a part of a team, rather than working independently as you might in a salon.”
That’s why, attendees will not only learn the basic principles of fashion styling, but also get a comprehensive understanding of backstage etiquette and the nuances between session styling and salon work. What’s more, they’ll be fully immersed in practical exercises that mirror the high-pressure situations that are often a part of backstage life, and showcase the importance of teamwork. And to allow attendees to carry out the training with ease, DiMaggio and Hanzo will be supplying all necessary tools—from a blow dryer and flat iron to brushes and even a styling mannequin. The best part? To ensure that no one gets left behind, the workshop will have a 1:5 educator-to-attendee ratio, so that attendees are able to have plenty of one-on-one time with DiMaggio and his team.
“Skill level does not matter to us at all,” DiMaggio shares. We care more about someone’s willingness to truly push themselves to try and be open to new approaches. That attitude goes much further on our team where the dynamic of supporting each other is top priority. This is setting them up for success in so many easy to have a positive experience and grow in a curated environment.”
Take Your Career to the Next Level
Whether you’re a seasoned stylist or just starting out, it goes without saying that Beyond Backstage is a highly beneficial experience that could not only help you elevate your craft, but also unlock the next stage of your career.
After taking one of DiMaggio’s previous workshops, Toronto-based hairstylist Samantha Biagini shared, “Beyond Backstage in all ways changed my life for the better, and was one of the best investments in myself I have ever made. Not only has it excelled my career and skill level to the next level, it has helped me in my own personal growth as well. Working as a stylist backstage is like no other experience in our industry and I’m grateful to be a part of it thanks to this program, Shokunin Clik, and Joseph!”
London-based hairstylist Miles Spooner echoed these sentiments as well and shared, “This backstage course was an eye-opening experience into the possibilities of how far I can take this profession. Joseph is not only an incredible mentor in terms of how he delivers the education, but also in providing great aftercare. This backstage course was an invaluable experience and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to take their career to the next level.”
While DiMaggio understands that stylists may initially sign up for Beyond Backstage for the opportunity to work backstage at fashion week, he hopes they leave the experience with new exposure to the session styling community and so many amazing connections. He also shares that he hopes they take away from the workshop the importance of “always doing things with intention, that being uncomfortable is the only time we grow, and that anything is possible with intentional practice, dedication, and the right mindset.”
If you’re ready to make your NYFW hair dreams come true, be sure to head over to Hanzo’s website to sign up for the Beyond Backstage course. Spaces are limited so you’ll definitely want to jump on this opportunity while you still can!
For all things Hanzo, be sure to follow @hanzonation on Instagram. And to keep up with DiMaggio and his Shokunin Clik team, make sure to follow @fashionmeetspassion and @shokuninclik on Instagram.
