Nicol & Ford took over Carriageworks on evening three of Australian Fashion Week 2024, presenting the Thorn collection and immersing guests in something of a sexual dungeon. Hair looks by Redken and leading hair director Richard Kavanagh were suitably on theme, with hair tied as handcuffs, placed in the mouths of models as gags and inspired by whip-like imagery.

“We’re really leaning into the idea of gender identity, sexual identity and the freedom of self-expression and the power of that, so we’re working with high shine, snatched ponytails and whip motifs,” Richard explained.

The collection by designers Lilian and Katie-Louise Nicol-Ford was inspired by Rosaleen Norton, otherwise knows as the “Witch of Kings Cross”, and these taboo elements were evoked through the fashion collection and show.

Lace, chains, sheer fabrics and chainmail featured amidst a deep red backdrop, in a collection colour palette defined in reds and blacks. Bold, smudged makeup further brought a night in Kings Cross to the runway, with red and smokey eyes mixed and matched with black and red lips. Runway props additonally brought the set to life, while models were often constrained in the garments – with one look particularly evoking cling wrap – to further reinforce the theme.

The hair looks covered three major themes – Kink, Animal and Burn. A mix of styles for Animal and “lived in, dirty hair with a smudge of charcoal and clay” for Burn still made way for the feature Kink theme. Packing and bondage tape proved the ideal hair accessory and fastener, in both convenience and aesthetic.

“For the Kink aspect we’re leaning into the latex and the whip motifs, and interpreting without being super literal,” Richard said.

Grand hairpieces in materials such as chains and feathers also added to the looks.

For more information visit www.redken.com.au

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