A conversation-led format at the VC Open House brings global perspective and industry introspection to the forefront of hairdressing education
Words | Rohini Wahul
In an industry where education has long been defined by demonstrations and technical walkthroughs, VC Open House recently hosted global hair artist Angelo Seminara. A brain child of top hair artist and educator Vipul Chudasma, the VC Open House is a format that shifts the focus to dialogue, perspective, and creative thinking between the Mentor and participants. Designed to prioritise depth over scale, this Open House created space for meaningful conversations, and moved beyond traditional learning to explore creative mindset, craft, and the future of Indian hairdressing.
In an exclusive interaction with Stylespeak, Seminara and Chudasama share their views on evolving as a stylist, the gaps within the industry, and why the next generation of talent will define what comes next.
RW: You often speak about craft and restraint. How can experienced stylists continue to evolve and refine their style?
Angelo Seminara: For me, it always begins with passion and love for the craft. But beyond that, you need awareness. Hairdressing does not exist in isolation — it is connected to culture, fashion, and everything happening around the world. You have to stay informed, observe constantly, and expose yourself to different influences. That awareness allows you to evolve, not just technically, but creatively.
This format feels very different from traditional seminars. How do you see this as a shift in education?
Vipul Chudasama: This format is absolutely new, especially in India. Traditionally, education has been about demonstrations — step-by-step learning that focuses on technique. But here, it’s about conversation. It’s about mindset, art, culture, and how you think as an artist. It allows professionals to interpret rather than simply replicate. And that’s where real growth begins.
This is your first time engaging with India in this format. How do you see the Indian hairdressing space today?
AS: Honestly, there is still a lot of work to be done. In terms of global positioning, the industry is at an early stage. At the same time, there is strong potential. Platforms like cinema have influenced aesthetic understanding, and some of the top professionals here are highly skilled. What stands out most is the hunger to learn among younger hairdressers. That’s extremely important — and it’s what will shape the future of this industry.
Do you feel there is a gap in how the industry is evolving, in terms of education?
VC: Yes, absolutely. I’ve been in the industry for over two decades, and while we have strong, established names, we don’t see enough new talent rising to that level. You can count the top professionals on your fingers, and many of them have been there for years. But where is the next set? That’s exactly why platforms like this matter. When young professionals are exposed to global artists like Angelo, it shifts their thinking. It pushes them to aim higher and understand what’s possible.
What do you think professionals take back from an experience like this?
AS: They take back perspective. I’ve worked across fashion capitals like New York, Milan, and Paris, and I’ve spent years educating across different countries. In a short time, you can share knowledge and experience — but it’s never enough. What matters is that it triggers something. A new idea, a different way of thinking. Hopefully, this is just the beginning, and we can build something bigger that reaches more people.
How do you balance tradition with evolution, in a country like India?
AS: I respect tradition, and I believe in evolution. Both are important. For me, it’s about preserving natural beauty while allowing people the freedom to express themselves. It’s not about forcing change — it’s about giving choice, At the same time, education becomes essential to maintain quality. There are many professionals, but not all are technically strong, and that can lead to damage. Education, in that sense, is also about safeguarding the craft.
Hairdressing is connected to culture, fashion, & everything happening around the world! -Angelo Seminara
This was a premium, highly curated experience. How do you define value at that level?
VC: Value here is not about numbers — it’s about access and quality. We wanted to keep this experience limited and focused so the right audience could truly engage with the artist. It’s not about filling a room; It’s about creating impact. Angelo’s presence played a big role, but equally important is the trust we’ve built over the years. That’s what made VC Open House successful.
| “The VC Open House signals a clear shift in how the industry approaches education. Moving away from purely technique-led formats, it places emphasis on exposure, perspective, and creative independence — encouraging professionals not just to learn, but to think, interpret, and develop their own voice. For an industry looking to build its next generation of leaders, this shift is not just relevant; It is essential.” |
