Tom Leach

San Diego Experience

San Diego film festival 2008: The Usual Suspects

A Fashion Perspective
By Tom Leach
Posted on Tue, Oct 7th, 2008
Last updated Tue, Oct 7th, 2008

We are all curious about the silver screen and it’s allure, the stars, and story lines, short or tall? And last but not least, what is their sexual orientation? Are they human? In my experience, less than most of the time.

I reminded of many past episodes of James Lipton of Actors Studio, guests pretending to be humble while telling the viewer and audience that they are just a vessel. Giving credits to whomever directed or wrote the screenplay and or story. That is all well considering future employment, but after several encounters with many of these kindred spirits, I am left with that same conclusion, a vessel. Most don’t know how to dress themselves, and It’s never what they are wearing it’s who they are wearing. Who dressed them? Who’s their agent or date?

Proudly enough my team was asked to style out the hair and makeup for this event party held at the W hotel. We were to work in allotted areas of the upper decks with limited time and knowledge of who we were to style in the realm of hair and make-up. Not ideal. Earlier we were responsible for a pre fashion show at Macy’s which seemed to be a positive precursor for the upcoming nights.

I must admit the following nights fell damp.

Myself along with the staff had trouble differentiating stars from any passers bye. I recall as I was working diligently on this young girl asking her. ” What kind of dress are you wearing tonight? Shoulder less or straps?” She looked up at me and said, “This is it.” She had on clothes you would sport in Pacific Beach at one of the finer pubs. Gap-ish attire. This was the tone of the event.

I was hoping to see Kelly Preston and John Travolta there, but remembered an historical debate was also taking place. So unfortunately the larger more politically vested actors didn’t show. I didn’t fault them for that. Tim Robbins and Susan didn’t chime in either.

It was clear though who was from San Diego and who was dropping in. N.Y. attendees of the female persuasion adorned cropped edgy hair along with bold lines in attire. Black tight pants and Deborah Harry doll head stood out. As far as the local variety, it was a line up of legs, short skirts, long locks followed by the spray tan. Yikes!

No “Entertainment Tonight” or “E” network showed. And maybe that isn’t a bad thing at all. I hope that San Diego isn’t held to the L.A. standards of a glittery, over- golded bling bling stereotype.

These events can infect us in many ways to a good slant. It celebrates standing out by appreciating something a little to the left. These lovely hotels and events believe in San Diego, as do I. For Me there is no better place.

About the author: Michigan born Thomas Leach found himself enthralled with hair at an early age. He enrolled at the renowned Vidal Sassoon Academy in Toronto for additional training and eventually made his way to Beverly Hills, later relocating to La Jolla where he was inspired by the cerulean blue of the ocean and sky to open his first business "Blue the Salon." In a constant search for education, Tom has traveled to Brazil, Paris, Italy, and London - ultimately finding the Saco team as a match for continual growth. He has worked with the top names in hairdressing including Victor of Vmax, as well as Studio W’s Wanderley Nunes. The sexy styling of these two men created the look for the most recent generation of “supermodels.”
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