A unique runway show that acted as Sydney-based fashion brand Youkhana’s collection debut took to the first day of Afterpay Australian Fashion Week. The ‘One Of’ Couture Collection 2023 was styled by hair brand evo and expressed an innate connection to hair and the power of hairdressing as a craft.

The fashion show presented meticulously handmade garments created by designer Nathaniel Youkhana, reflecting his personal journey and experience as a long-time hairdresser. The collection showcases intricate woven designs reflective of hair with bespoke hair creations for all models created by evo to complement this theme.

“Youkhana’s garments are exceptional, with so many intricacies and a whole lot of braiding and plaiting techniques – a hairdresser’s eye candy! It was all about the individual and escaping reality for a moment” said Creative Director for evo, Nicole Kae. “We wanted to include something quite bold because the concept behind the show is individualism and expressing yourself individually.”

“I wanted to mimic the braiding in the garments, but have it unravelled so you get a cool ‘just been plaited’ vibe. Each model had curvature details and edging on their hairlines and it was important that each was slightly different, because people aren’t the same and it was more about suitability. Think cousins not siblings,” she added. “Then we have created a really cool texture going from wet all the way to dry. We still have that element of really strong hair but then it goes into something softer and more ethereal.”

The brand’s Gangsta Grip, Happy Campers and Shebang-a-bang were hero products to create this unique wet-to-dry, hydrated texture. The final product application created the effect where it was wet at the root to appear darker, to lighter at the ends where dry, for a balayage style aesthetic.

The two brands worked in synergy to pay tribute to hairdressing as a craft. Diverse looks and personally adapted hair styles personified the significance of individuality and the fashion pieces showcased the history and importance of braiding as a means of expression and identity for generations of black and African cultures.

The collection and styling celebrated fashion and hair’s artistic and unifying power, an example of the meaningful concepts fashion week has to offer backstage and on the runway.

For more information visit www.evohair.com

Images via by Mackenzie Sweetnam/Getty Images

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