Federico Beauty Institute Travels to London

The Federico Beauty Institute selected a few lucky students to travel to London to participate in a Pivot Point International trip. Yolly Ten Koppel, a teacher and International Artistic Director for Pivot Point, worked with the students in London. Yolly's bi-annual series - the Pivot Point Design Forum - showcases new fashion trends, styles, and gives the students detailed instructions. Gary Federico, who owns Federico Beauty Institute, joined the group.

"The opportunity to enable these students to explore the world around them and interact with famous beauty professionals such as Yolly is magnificent," said Gary. "It's enjoyable watching these students vigorously exploring new cities and designs." 

The students took a guided tour of the city soon after their arrival at Heathrow Airport. Their stops included some of the most famous places in London, such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the London Eye. When the bus tour ended, the students headed towards Camden Lock - one of the most popular areas of the city. Tons of accessories and fashion were found in the open air markets and shops located here. The students had lunch at a local pub after checking into the Corus Hotel Hyde Park.

The students saw the British Crown Jewels at the Tower of London on their second day touring the city. After exiting the Tower, they proceeded towards St. Paul's Cathedral as well as the Tower Bridge. After the students were finished with their morning tours, they hopped on London's "Tube" and used the subway system to explore the city.

The students from Federico arrived at the Vidal Sassoon Advanced Academy with enthusiasm, despite the early hour. Yolly showed them how to make sculptured, layered styles by using razor tools. The students enjoyed a tasty dinner in Chinatown after a hard day's work practicing new techniques.

During the second day of "work" at Pivot Point, they delved even further into new techniques, which included practicing on mannequins and learning hair sculpting techniques. Yolly explained the importance of sales within a salon while also introducing several important techniques. After demonstrating how to introduce professional products into all services, she encouraged students to forward product recommendations to their clients.

After working diligently for two full days at Vidal Sassoon, the students had a few days rest to explore the sights in and around London, which included Hampton Court Palace. The palace was built in 1514, but royalty has not lived there since the 18th century. The next day, the students had a chance to visit Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, where they explored traditions of theatre, stories, and Elizabethan costumes. After exploring Shakespeare's Globe Theater, they moved next door to the Tate Modern Museum, where famous artists like Picasso were on display. Before bed, the entire group traveled to the West End to watch the musical sensation We Will Rock You - a show based upon the band Queen.

The students had the entire last day of the trip to go anywhere they wanted in London. After a brief hotel breakfast, the group of students used The Tube to traverse the city of London.

The Federico students finally headed home after a week filled with education, excitement, and experiences that they will never forget. These students had the opportunity to have an experience that most beauty schools cannot offer - all thanks to both the Frederico Beauty Institute family and Pivot Point International. Through studying abroad, Federico Beauty Institute offers students the chance to explore the world, interact with famous educators, and become influenced by the foreign cities that they encounter.

The Senior Editor at Modern Salon Magazine, Alison Shipley, also came along. She is currently enrolled at a Pivot Point institution in Bloomingdale, IL.

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