What does it mean to make a statement? Is it being bold in your craft? Is it creating innovative looks? Is it mastering precision?
For Chicago-based visual artist and designer Louis De Guzman, making a statement means unlocking your light and reaching your full potential in whatever medium you choose.
STMNT Grooming Goods Artist Edition brought an exclusive, community-driven event to the Zhou B Art Center on Sep. 27 for barbers, professionals and artists to connect, exchange ideas and explore the role of self-expression in shaping personal identity and culture.
The STMNT Artist Edition 2026 featured a limited-edition reinterpretation of STMNT's All-In-One Cleanser titled “Unlock Your Light,” transformed through Guzman's distinctive visual language into a collectible piece that explores themes of inner growth, identity and self-discovery.
Mya Shepard
STMNT Grooming Goods Co-Creator Julius Arriola, aka Julius Cvesar, credits being a fan of Guzman's work before the two became friends as the reason behind the choice in picking Guzman as the artist to highlight. Arriola explains how the act of creation is analogous for barbers and artists.
Courtesy of STMNT Grooming Goods
“It's like game recognizes game, but seeing past the medium. I think tonight is a special moment to do that because there are people that are going to be introduced to statement and people who will be introduced to Louis, but as we go through these intricate moments throughout the night, whether it's the movie film, the panel talk or the discovery areas, you’re going to truly be able to walk away with the big why: Why artist edition makes sense,” says Arriola.
Guzman credits the vulnerability of artists as the inspiration behind his design and makes a point to recognize the importance of looking beyond the highlights and reels of social media to find real connection wherever possible.
“I think Julius reaching out during such a vulnerable time in my life and me being this Filipino American kid growing up in the city, I've seen a camaraderie here and I wanted to tell a story about finding inner peace for yourself and never giving up on yourself, amplifying how you see the world and not being afraid,” says Guzman.
For Guzman, unlocking your light means aspiring to your full potential even when it feels like you've hit a wall. "You just have to keep going on your journey, finding your own light and amplifying what's ahead of you. Because without your guidance, who else are you going to save but yourself? So you have to keep going,” Guzman adds.
During the night, more than 300 guests, ranging from artists, barbers, creators, cultural tastemakers and friends of the brand, came together for an immersive evening dedicated to creativity, culture and self-expression. Guests also experienced immersive installations showcasing the original artwork, interactive community activations and a preview of the limited-edition product and merchandise capsule.
Creators Julius Cvesar, Sofie Pok aka Staygold and Miguel Gutierrez aka Nomad Barber's individual collections were on full display, with samples for guests to try and a scent atomizer that gave guests a glimpse into the aromatic creative process behind each product.
Miguel Gutierrez, aka Nomad Barber, shares the story behind his collection of products, with his traditional background as a professional playing a major role in creating the hero range.
Mya Shepard
“I wanted to do something like a classic pomade, which is good for slick styles. Slick styles had a bit of a blow-up in the barber world between 2013 and 2018, where everyone was getting slick side parts, slick backs and that type of thing. So we needed something in the range that performed for that audience who still wanted those styles," Gutierrez notes.
Gutierrez's collection featured a gel, grooming spray, dry clay and classic pomade, complemented with a scent that offered a fresh mix of spices, lavender and a hint of wood in each product. The idea behind the collection was to achieve editorial styles in the barbershop while also being versatile.
“The products are easy to use, but you can also cocktail them, so there are times in photoshoots where we might use the matte paste and then we use a little bit of pomade with the hairspray and then maybe something else for the ends, so you can really use the full range. So I think it's just about performance, a good-smelling product that's gonna last and that isn't extortionately priced.”
Gutierrez names the curls cream as his favorite product because of its versatility. The product can be used on afro-textured hair, loose curls, wavy hair and even straight hair.
Beyond his work as a STMNT creator, after a time being off and on with barbering, Gutierrez now works two days a week behind the chair while also owning a shop in Berlin, London, Mumbai, India and Liverpool. Guitierez credits his love of being behind the chair and partnerships as what helps him balance everything.
“I think I thrive in chaos. I have partners in my shops; before I didn't, so it was a little more difficult, but being back behind the chair is the best thing for me mentally. It's kind of an escape from my problems,” Gutierrez adds.
The STMNT Artist Edition is an annual collaboration series that invites artists beyond barbering and hairdressing to reinterpret core STMNT products. Each release transforms everyday grooming essentials into limited-edition collectibles, reinforcing STMNT’s position as a brand embedded in culture.
Along with a noteworthy perspective on what it means to be a statement maker, guests walked away with a new outlook on how two art forms and two separate mediums can find a way to make a natural blend for artists and barbers.
