Each Australian Fashion Week, the Next Gen show is always a favourite, since it showcases the next generation of Australian design talent. These shows can be tricky for a hair director, who is tasked with creating hair looks on models who will walk for multiple designers in the one show—in this case, emerging local labels Clea, Asiyam, Phoebe Pendergast and Not a Man’s Dream.
Redken hair director and industry stalwart Richard Kavanagh created two distinct looks—a classic low bun and an edgy, fashion-forward braid.
“What’s really nice about this show is working with our emerging talent,” Kavanagh told Gritty Pretty backstage before the show. “So we’ve designed two looks—one that is luxe and very wearable and one that’s very strong.”
On half of the models walking in the show, Kavanagh created a nonchalant low bun with an elegant middle part. “We prepped the hair with Redken Satinwear 04 Thermal Smoothing Blow-Dry Lotion, blow-drying with a big round brush. We pulled it back into a very low pony and folded it back on itself.” To finish the look at home, Kavanagh recommends letting a “few little loose bits” fall out. “The hair quality is very luxurious and the shape is very simple and elegant,” he adds.
“The other look is based on an historic reference from the Valkyries era,” Kavanagh explained, adding that women would prepare for battle by braiding and folding their hair to create a ‘helmet’ look. “That’s the braid look and we started with Redken Powder Grip 03 Texturizing Hair Powder for grip.” Kavanagh and his team of expert stylists then braided each section of hair, staying close to the head, finishing with a french braid close to the crown. “There’s no hair ties, we’ve used Redken Forceful 23 Super Strength Hairspray spray to seal the end, so it feels very raw and earthy and lived in, but still really powerful and wild.”
Speaking with Gritty Pretty, Redken Hair Insider, fashion stylist Deni Todorovič, said the Next Gen show is one to watch.
“Next Gen is always one that I look forward to. I always love to see what new designers have up their sleeves. I think that the future of fashion is really exciting and often the most innovative kind of ideas come from the next generation.”
To control frizz: Redken Satinwear 04 Thermal Smoothing Blow-Dry Lotion
For grip: Redken Powder Grip 03 Texturizing Hair Powder
To secure the braids: Redken Forceful 23 Super Strength Hairspray