View the AHFA Australian Hairdresser of the Year Collection

Damien Rinaldo of Boris the Cuttery is well acquainted with the Australian Hair Fashion Awards stage, having taken home the top prize of Australian Hairdresser of the Year many times in his career, and showed his inimitable hair creations in runway shows as well. On Sunday night he was once again called up for the top honour, given to him as a result of his alluring collection, Self.

The esteemed judging panel described their top collection as one that was intricate, beautiful, artistic and innately drew the viewer in – and Self ticks those many boxes. “‘It’s you, nothing but you, not more or less, not trying to make yourself something you’re not,” Damien said of the affecting but simple collection.

Anchored by authentic skin and hair, the images provide a raw look at the model, with freckles, marks and imperfections proudly displayed, therefore capturing the personalities of each girl pictured.

“This collection has the DNA of Boris but in a new, back-to-basics direction,” Damien said. “The work of photographer Peter Lindbergh had a big influence on the shoot. His style of images includes black and white imagery, celebrities and close headshots or from the torso up. He had a simplicity and raw energy of biographical work that I was looking for. Mine is a ‘beauty’ shoot, close in shots, not long shots that can make you feel cut off from the person, but of course with an emphasis on the hair.”

A darkened background offers contrast with every model’s blonde hair look, all presented in black and white. Lighting is utilised to enhance freckles and beauty spots, while Damien’s iconic hair tapestry technique is featured as a hero look of the collection, seamlessly braided with threads and sequins as a natural part of the model’s hair look. Other feature looks include a pixie cut adorned with white stones, a traditional African family braid styled in a high bun and quiff, undercuts, high shapes and finishing textures.

The collection blurs the line of hair and art, something the judges clearly recognised in deciding the biggest title in Australian hair. Damien, as always, well deserved.

Credits:

Collection: Self
Hair: Damien Rinaldo @boristhecuttery
Photography: Andrew O’Toole
Stylist: Ella Murphy
Make Up: Belinda Zollo
Hair Extensions: J’adore Hair Supplies