Stylist Feature: The Brand and Career of Lisa Vann

By Kelly Zwicker  

This week we recognize a dedicated and essential contributor to the Fashion for Conservation team, Lisa Vann. Lisa originally joined Seattle’s Marketplace Salon in 1987, and she’s been a staple in Seattle’s hair and beauty community ever since. For almost 30 years, Lisa has been developing her brand and constantly collaborating with other talented artists. 

Vann Edge, located on 1st avenue in Downtown Seattle, is currently directed by Lisa, being one of Aveda’s key educators. Aveda is an environmentally conscious hair and skincare brand that is based on the concept of holistic beauty. When asked about the quality and integrity of Aveda as a brand, Lisa touched on how the production and sourcing of ingredients set a high professional standard in the industry. “Aveda uses natural organic pure plant and flower ingredients in the product” she says, “maximizing performance and carrying an amazing aroma.”

Lisa has built a strong client base, and has even travelled the world as an Aveda educator and international editorial stylist. Lisa is dedicated to supporting both domestic and International fashion weeks. She also attends “Style Night” with local Seattle lifestyle magazine Ville Magazine, gains recognition through Northwest hairstyling awards, and organizes and orchestrates tutorials for upcoming generations of hairstylists across the U.S and Canada. She continues to collaborate with hair industry and fashion magazines, industry trade shows, and additional local industry leads that come her way. 

Designer: Shriti Pratap Stylist: Lisa Vann Photographer: James Cheng

Stylist: Lisa Vann Photographer: James Cheng

Designer: Shriti Pratap Stylist: Lisa Vann Photographer: James Cheng

Lisa is very proud of her role and direction with Vann Edge Salon, which she is known for in the downtown Seattle community. The salon’s energy and quality customer service keeps her inspired. “We are extremely fashion focused in what we do with our guests” she says.  The salon’s mantra is “Every Guest Every time.” Vann Edge, being a small avante-garde salon, upholds a sense of fashion forwardness that the Vann Edge team is happy to have their guests experience. Vann Edge consistently hosts and collaborates with editorial shoots for Seattle Fashion Week.

When asked about her Spring and Summer projects, Lisa is elated to see the presence of textured hair down the runway. Lisa comments on how women walking down the runway will have their natural hair featured, and even exaggerated and heightened with products such as Aveda’s Texture Tonic.

As far as her longterm partnership with Fashion for Conservation (FFC) and its Elephantasia campaign, it all started with a meeting between Lisa and FFC founder Ava Holmes, in a small coffee shop just to brainstorm ideas. The concept of merging fashion and conservation was initially appealing to Lisa. “Philanthropy through the arts has always been something I love to engage in” she says, “especially if it’s to protect these majestic creatures. I am a cause and effect women, I love to see change.” Lisa has been drawn to the creative energy of the FFC team ever since. 

Given that Elephantasia will feature in London Fashion Week, Lisa has her vision for fashion and conservation in the future. “My vision would be that this is a platform to continue to bring awareness to my industry”  Lisa claims, “So much of the fashion industry is based off labels and profit, whereas Elephantasia could be the face of sustainability within the industry.”

Lisa feels a certain responsibility within the fashion community to promote not only her team and Aveda’s products, but the cause for conservation as a greater picture. She wants to stand for conservation through her efforts within the industry, because sustainable fashion could have an amazing future. The more that hairstylists, designers, models, and any individuals in this industry get involved and promote this branch of fashion, the more opportunity it has to succeed. 

We look forward to upcoming projects with Lisa Vann and so many other individuals to make Fashion For Conservation prosper within the Fashion world, and continue spreading crucial awareness. 

Lisa Vann:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisavanntexture/

Vann Edge Salon: http://www.vannedge.com/meet-the-team