Inspired by Spain, Designer Albus Lumen partnered with Balmain Hair Couture to transport the Albus woman back to Spain in the 70s, more specifically the Spain of Pablo Picasso and the women that inspired the legendary artist, writes Ida Almasi. 
To complement the inspiration and create a distinct look for the show, Hair Director Travis Balcke developed two characters that embody the Albus Lumen woman for the season – one masculine and one feminine, leaving it up the viewers to decided which was which.
In one look, by weaving in free-flowing wefts, Travis created a very long, narrow natural braid to trail down the back of the model, reminiscent of the traditional way Spanish women are known to wear their hair or how you would imagine Frida Kahlo to have styled it.
The alternative look left the hair quite unstructured by drying in Balmain Hair Couture Leave in Conditioning Spray to a braided hair and brushing out the braid leaving an undone natural texture to the combed back hair accentuating the inherent textures of the model’s own hair. This expanded who they are naturally, but with the Albus muse in mind. This evoked a feeling to how a Spanish woman would undo and brush out her hair in the comfort of her own home after having it pulled back tight in a braid all day.
“We have really tailored each look to an individual girl. We wanted the model to not just embody the inspiration for the show but be a part of it and have worked with the natural qualities of their hair to achieve this,” Travis said. “We want to leave the interpretation between who is masculine and who is feminine up to the audience. But even then, there is duality between the two.”
The hair team also played around with the parting of the hair to enhance the natural face shapes and features. As a finishing touch to both looks, Travis employed Balmain Styling Gel Strong and Balmain Silk Perfume to create a wet, high-gloss look.
Albus Lumen Designer Marina Afonina says about the look, “I want to evoke a new mood this season. The Albus Lumen woman is worldly, confident and creative and her wardrobe and hair reflect this. I love the Spanish aesthetic of the period, Travis has created a reinvented 70’s for a new kind of look that perfectly complements the collection.”
For more information visit www.balmainhaircouture.com.au
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