Making a triumphant return to Australian Afterpay Fashion Week (AAFW) 2022, Gary Bigeni graced the runway with his new collection REDIVIVUS, complemented by hair that embraced the models’ most beautiful selves by O&M, writes Ashleigh Matheson.
Known for his dedication to inclusivity, the gender-neutral 32-piece collection was a celebration of colour and individual expression, featuring beautiful hand-painted pieces, each made to order and handmade by the designer and local artisans.
Backstage, O&M and renowned hair director Bec Snow worked to create hair looks that celebrated each model’s individual beauty, speaking to the collection’s underlying themes of collaboration, diversity, and representation.
“The inspiration behind all of the looks is just everyone’s individual, natural beauty. So we’re just bringing out and enhancing the natural curl and natural movement, making the models feel their most beautiful selves,” Bec explained backstage.
Key products in creating these natural hair looks were O&M Know Knott, as well as a new wax spray which O&M is set to launch soon – keep your eyes peeled!
Continuing to push the boundaries, O&M X Gary Bigeni was an early AAFW standout.
Get the looks:
Look 1 – Energised Curl:
Step 1: Starting with clean hair dried in its natural form. Break the hair into medium sized sections and lightly spritz with O&M Know Knott Detangling Spray to dampen and rehydrate the curl.
Step 2: Using your hands, scrunch and shake the section to encourage the movement of the hair.
Step 3: Look for any weak areas in the curl and using the ghd Curve Thin Wand, wrap the hair around the barrel to replicate the natural texture. This may only be partial sections of the hair.
Step 4: Before moving onto the next section, spray the roots with O&M Desert Dry Texture Spray for volume and massage into the roots.
Step 5: Repeat the previous 4 steps through the entire head and allow to air dry/cool. After a few minutes using either your hairs or a wide tooth comb, break up the curl.
Step 6: To finish, spritz with a fine mist of water or for coarser, drier curls – more O&M Know Knott to further encourage natural curl as well as lightly break down the styled curls for the most natural and perfectly undone result.
Look 2 – Fluffy Bend:
Step 1: Starting with clean hair dried in its natural texture. Break the hair into medium sized sections and look for naturally formed movement. In these areas, using the Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener follow and replicate the natural shape to create a stronger but similar bend.
Step 2: When cooled apply a light spray of O&M Surf Bomb over the entire section of hair. Allow to air dry for a few seconds. This will add a soft texture and grit to the hair.
Step 3: Pickup the section of hair roughly 90 degrees off the head and spray the O&M Dry Queen Dry Shampoo throughout. Give the section a shake to give it an airy, fluffy texture.
Step 4: Repeat the previous 3 steps until the entire head is complete.
For more information visit www.originalmineral.com.au
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