30 Years of Vision: The Legacy of HOOKER & YOUNG in Focus

What inspired you to create this photoshoot celebrating 30 years of HOOKER & YOUNG?

Reaching 30 years is an incredible milestone—it’s not just about longevity, but everything we’ve built: the artistry, the people, the journey. The shoot was a love letter to everything we love about our journey in hair and to everyone who’s been part of our story. I wanted to capture that visually through timeless beauty, strength, evolution.

How did you choose Newcastle as the location, and what does the city mean to the brand’s journey?

Newcastle isn’t just where we started—it’s part of who we are. The spirit of the North East runs through everything we do, so shooting in Newcastle was about grounding this moment in the place that means so much to us.

Can you describe the creative direction behind the shoot? Were there any themes or stories you wanted to convey?

The creative direction was about contrast—legacy versus modernity, elegance versus edge. We wanted to tell a story of transformation, to reflect how HOOKER & YOUNG has evolved while staying true to its roots. Each look represents the people, the vibrant city culture, that togther formed a cohesive, forward-looking narrative.

What was the most meaningful moment for you during the shoot?

There was a quiet moment, just before the final shot, when everything clicked—the light, the mood, the model, I looked through the lens and felt thirty years of memories flood in. That was an incredibly powerful moment – I felt so proud.

As a co-owner of HOOKER & YOUNG, how does it feel to reflect on three decades of success through a visual medium?

Photography allows you to stop time—to look back, but also to reframe the future. Seeing our legacy in images makes it tangible. It’s not just about hair—it’s about the impact we’ve had on people’s lives, and the industry we love.

How has your photography evolved alongside the evolution of the brand?

Just like the brand, my photography has become more refined, more purposeful. In the early days, it was all instinct. Now there’s more storytelling, more subtlety, more layers. I’ve grown not just as a photographer, but as an observer of people and moments.

What were some of the challenges you faced during this shoot — creatively or logistically?

Balancing nostalgia with innovation is always tricky—you don’t want to get stuck in the past, but you also want to honour it. Logistically, shooting across multiple Newcastle locations while capturing the right light and maintaining creative cohesion was intense, but worth every second.

You’ve achieved international success. How does your work stay connected to its roots in Newcastle?

No matter where we go - New York, Asia or throughout Europe - we bring Newcastle with us. There’s a rawness and realness to our Northern edge that people respond to globally. It keeps us grounded and makes our work authentic.

How do you balance the business side of being a co-owner with your creative pursuits in photography?

It’s all about routine for me - my photography informs the business, and vice versa. That balance is what keeps both sides sharp and evolving.

What does legacy mean to you, both personally and professionally?

Legacy is about impact—it’s not what you leave behind, but what you build that outlives you. For me, it’s in the people I’ve trained, the careers we’ve inspired, and the standards we’ve helped set in the industry.

If you could sum up the essence of HOOKER & YOUNG in one image from the shoot, what would it be and why?

That’s a really tough question to answer as they all part of the same narrative. There’s one shot where the Tyne Bridge behind is behind the models. It’s strength, grace, and rebellion in one frame. That’s HOOKER & YOUNG to me: classic with a twist, rooted in the North, but made for the world.

What advice would you give to young creatives hoping to build a brand that stands the test of time?

Stay true to your vision but evolve with purpose. Success isn’t just about talent—it’s about consistency, integrity, and surrounding yourself with people who push you. Build something that matters, and time will take care of the rest.

Photographer: Michael Young @myhairphotography

Hair Stylist: Hooker & Young @hookerandyoung