Our Global Creative Consultant, James Harknett, is someone we are super proud of here at Team Fake Bake. Having been a part of our tanning family for several years now, James is our go-to guy for expertise, new ideas and cutting edge feels. We caught up with James after a whistle-stop trip to America, and managed to sit down with him at this, one of the busiest times in our beauty calendars.
When it
comes to class, no-one rivals our fabulous
Mr. H. And when it comes to tanning, James
has the wonderful quality of moving between his A-list clients, long term
customers and new tanners with ease. As well as being based at the
luxurious W Hotel in London, James also works regularly with the very best
glossies and blogs to collaborate not just on self tanning but also to create
the types of images that always grab our attention.
So, we asked
for a little time with our globetrotting supertanner to ask him for some tips,
also about what he’s been up to, and finally his highlights of 2019 as we get
closer to the festive season. Here’s what we talked about.
James, you’ve just got back from the
States. Tell us a little more…
Most of my
trip was professional, although there were tiny windows when I got to have some
time off - although not much! As I am based at the W Hotel here in London, I have a great connection with the brand
and so I didn’t think twice about spending some time at the W Hotel in Los Angeles. I got to spread
the word about Fake Bake and meet,
and tan, some up-and-coming names, which is really important. For me as a professional tanner, and Fake Bake as a brand, moving forward
really matters. I also got to spend time with the wonderful Victoria Halliday, and we got to see some of the sights, as well
as literally catching up in front of the iconic Hollywood sign. It was a perfect trip for me, after spending a
little time in Vegas first. I love the enthusiasm that literally welcomes you
whenever you step off the plane. It’s infectious! Meeting Jimmy Coco really made the trip for me - he is a legend in the
industry and works with the very best.
Professionally, you’ve had such an
awe inspiring year. Can you tell us about a few highlights?
I’ll try and
choose a few - although it’s been such a crazy year there is so much to talk
about! I was really honoured recently when David
Gandy talked about my work in GQ
magazine. He really is a shining and stylish light still in the industry,
and great to work with.
I was
honoured by GQ earlier in the year with
a GQ Grooming Award for Best Wellness Experience, which was a real
recognition not just for the work I do, but for the world of self tanning, too!
I always mention that more and more guys are getting into self tanning now -
it’s becoming a really democratic beauty treatment.
Working with
Julia Styles for Season 2 of Riviera was
something really special. This series has grown so much and is so luxurious and
perfectly escapist television, set in the most glorious locations. Julia is sheer elegance from
head-to-toe, and I was really proud to help be a part of the look that was
created for her.
Closer to
home, working with the rest of Team Fake
Bake right at the start of the year on Dancing
On Ice was just remarkable. This is prime time, live television and we had
so many skaters and celebrities to work with, but we did so under the most
challenging conditions in terms of time and climate. It showed me what you can
create with the best tanning
formulations and a first class team.
I worked
with lots of brides this year, and they are always keen to look their best -
that’s a given! Bridal tanning has to be so precise and natural, and there are
so many things to take into account. The
Brights’ wedding was brilliant fun as the whole family were involved,
including the bridegroom. It was a heartwarming day.
I love
working in fashion as part of my job, and as well as working with magazines and
more traditional media I also love getting out there and meeting people who
inspire. I adore all the Fashion Weeks and
had a terrific time at Milan Fashion
Week earlier in the autumn with
@therealfashionblogger as she’s great company and really loves brightly
defined and colourful looks.
James we know you are a huge music
fan and this has been a vintage year. Can you choose a favourite?
Everyone who
knows me knows how much I love my music, especially when it is live, and 2019
has not disappointed. I can’t choose a favourite as that would be impossible,
but there are a few highlights that will be hard to beat next year.
I have just
seen Madonna in Las Vegas, who is
such a musical and cultural icon for me. I also got to see her front row in New York earlier this year as part of
her Madame X Tour and she really is
remarkable and so creative - she never fails to both surprise and inspire at the
same time. I’m a lifelong fan, that’s for sure!
I also got
to meet Janet Jackson in Las Vegas over
the summer and, again, you can’t argue with history when it comes to how
influential she is as both an artist and as an entertainer.
I absolutely
adore Kylie Minogue and watching her
at Glastonbury this year felt like a
real moment to remember. She is one of the most hard-working and generous
people in the music industry. The crowd went nuts and it’s no surprise it’s a
performance that broke viewing records. I was just so proud! I was also front
row when she performed at Edinburgh
Castle - she really is flawless.
Finally, I
got to see the legendary Barbara
Streisand with my sister in Hyde Park. What can I say? She was as brilliant
as ever. You can probably notice a theme here - I’m inspired by strong,
creative and fearless women, too, and I count my sister right up there on that
particular list.
Finally, James, can you use all of
the inspiration to get us ready for the party season?
This season
is all about full-on glamour. Of course, party season comes at the same time of
year as ramping up central heating and cold weather outside, so it takes effort
and consistency to get your skin prepped. It really doesn’t take too much time
to keep your skin polished with Fake
Bake Coconut Body Polish. It’s vital to use it often, not just before
tanning applications, so that your skin gets the regular benefit of
exfoliation.
If it’s a
special occasion I would always say that a professional
Fake Bake spray tan will make sure you are perfectly golden from
top-to-toe. At such a busy time, it’s super convenient to tan at home, too.
Everyone who has tried the new Fake Bake
x Spectrum Go With The Glow Gift Set loves it, as you can choose a lighter
finish with our Tanning Water or go dark
with our Double Shot Espresso. The Fake Bake Bronzer is both subtle and
buildable, and the luxury Spectrum Brush
and Bag making glowing on the go so convenient. Wherever you can, take your
time. Work slowly and steadily from your toes upwards, and make it an occasion
for some mindful pampering. At this time of year, it’s a welcome break!
My top tip
this year has really been to choose a formula and shade that really suits you,
your skin type and your colouring, including your hair - try not to think too
much about what others are wearing, really go for what works for you. When it
comes to your beauty intuition, you know yourself better than anyone. And that
really works well in all areas of your life, I hope!”
So there we
have it. We came away from our interview
with James with some life advice as well as his tanning tips. We do tend to
spend our time scrolling, and wondering how we could be more like someone else,
and a little bit less like ourselves.
Maybe the
best gift we could ourselves this year is to look in the mirror, work with what
we’ve got, slick on our lip gloss and go out there and create brilliant
memories with people we love.
We can
filter a lot in our worlds, but that joy we get from laughing with people who
matter? It’s simply unwrappable…
All featured products
available from www.fakebake.co.uk
You can follow James on
Insta @jamesharknettofficial
Additional images
courtesy of James Harknett, GQ and Sky Atlantic
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