When legendary photographer Tim Walker captured Stella Tennant for the December 2013 issue of British Vogue, he wasn’t just taking a picture; he was documenting a masterclass in androgynous rebellion. The editorial, titled “Made in Britain,” featured Tennant in a crisp white shirt, but it was her gravity-defying, spiky black hair that stole the show. This look—part punk, part high-fashion, and entirely effortless—remains a top request at high-end barbershops today.

Achieving this “Editorial Edge” requires more than just a quick trim. It demands a barber who understands texture, structural integrity, and the specific nuances of short hair. If you’re looking to recreate this iconic silhouette, here is how the best barbershops approach the craft.

The secret to Tennant’s look is a foundation built on precision. Unlike standard fades, this style relies on tapered layers that are shorter at the back and sides but maintain significant length through the crown. A master barber will use a combination of scissor-over-comb techniques and point-cutting to create “negative space” within the hair. This ensures that when the hair is styled upward, it doesn’t look like a solid block, but rather a series of dynamic, feathered peaks.

To get that “piecey” look seen in the photo, your barber must focus on de-bulking. By using thinning shears or a razor, they can remove weight from the mid-lengths to the ends. This allows the hair to stand up without the need for excessive, heavy products that would otherwise flatten the look over time. In a professional “English Show” style barbering session, the goal is to make the hair look intentional yet slightly undone.

Once the cut is perfect, the magic happens in the styling. To mimic the Tennant editorial look, follow these professional steps:

1. Prep: Start with damp hair and apply a volumizing salt spray. This provides the “grip” needed for the hair to defy gravity.
2. Directional Blow-Dry: Use a hairdryer on a medium heat setting. Use your fingers to pull the hair upward and forward, “locking” the roots into a vertical position.
3. The Product Mix: Avoid shiny pomades. Instead, reach for a matte clay or fiber paste. Warm a small amount between your palms and twist the ends of the hair into individual spikes.
4. The Finish: A light dusting of styling powder at the roots will provide extra lift and a modern, matte finish that looks great under any lighting.

Stella Tennant’s look works because it balances the sharp lines of masculine grooming with a soft, artistic flair. It is a testament  https://firstclassbarbershop.net/ to the idea that hair is an accessory that can redefine an entire outfit. Whether you are heading to a gallery opening or just want to elevate your daily style, this “Made in Britain” aesthetic offers a timeless, sophisticated edge.

Ready to transform your look? Ask your barber for a textured, asymmetrical crop with an emphasis on vertical movement.

Should we look for the best barbershops in your area that specialize in these technical, editorial cuts?