REALITY REVIVAL

Undo that topknot, banish your jogging bottoms, and slip into something a little less comfortable….

The end of lockdown marks a celebratory season of pure, unadulterated dressing up and a return to big, bold, and beautiful hair.

After life-changing experience, a return to good times and glamour is often called for – think 1920s flapper fashion and 1950s Hollywood pin-ups. Getting dressed up again feels like a unanimous decision: finally, we’ve got something to celebrate, and a reason to make ourselves look fabulous.

Gorgeous hair is key to looking and feeling good, and with salons back open it’s time to capitalise on clients’ desire to go out out with beautiful finishes, intricate details, and high fashion looks that epitomise good hair days… and nights.

For Autumn/Winter 2021, ghd has partnered with session stylist Patrick Wilson to create a series of striking styles that bring his runway and red-carpet experience to the salon. Think exaggerated shapes, extravagant updos, and premium finishes that celebrate the art and craft of hairdressing, and the sheer joy of dressing up.

Our Autumn/Winter Trend Reveal is about a global evolving from ease to opulence. It’s an imagining of a possible future, breaking the shackles of dreary lockdown style. Say goodbye to DIY home hair fixes, rouse your hibernating fashionista, don your highest heels and transition from slouch to sleek – it’s time for a reality revival! - creative director Amy Sontae, ghd’s global education creative manager

REALITY REVIVAL - THE LOOKS

HAUTE COIFFURE

This full volume look was inspired by the Schiaparelli AW21 collection, which was described by designer Daniel Roseberry as, “a dedication to the unexpected, the risky and the exuberant.” Jewellery that feels more like armour than pure decoration nestles amongst voluminous, peroxide hair. This season, more is more with a joyous, maximalist vibe.

VOGUE MODE

What could be more celebratory than a swirling, supersize braid? This feel-good look was inspired by Prabal Gurung AW21, where the designer firmly stated there would be, “no work-from-home-clothes” in their show. The collection was a celebration of returning to the bustle of New York streets, and of hope and joy. High, sleek ponies carried into extraordinarily long braids, which whirled as models spun and twirled through the show. This sense of fun is reflected in ghd’s exaggerated style, which is guaranteed to make people stop and stare.

CLASSIC COUTURE

Built around a classic shape, this elegant and ultra-wearable updo combined inspiration from two super-chic shows: Emilia Wickstead AW21, where sleek, nape-snuggling knots represented purity and strength, and Iris van Herpen Couture, where folded layers of hair were finished with vinyl shine. Both exuded a classic, elevated glamour, which served as the inspiration for this stacked chignon.

SLEEK SOCIALITE

This slick finger wave style took its cue from Kim Jones’ Fendi debut, where Virginia Woolf’s Orlando served as inspiration. The wet drapery of Bernini sculptures further inspired the sleek, organic shapes, created by Sam McKnight to hug the faces of his A-list model cast. Paired with contrasting lengths, the ghd version is an ultra-modern, easy way to wear fingerwaves.

RUNWAY READY

In ghd’s 20th anniversary year, what could be more perfect than a premium take on super-sleek hair? This look takes its cue from Versace AW21, which was described as an ode to shopping and packed with accessories and pieces that were not only reminiscent of a life left behind, but a desire to return to our new normal. Luxurious heavy hair, tucked neatly behind the ear, was also seen at Valentino’s Couture show, which incidentally served as the makeup inspiration for the ghd collection.

READY-TO-WAVE

This look was inspired by Dior’s pre-AW21 collection, which revealed Jisoo of Blackpink as the brand’s new ambassador. She served as model and muse for the gothic fairytale-inspired show, staged at Versailles. These tousled waves reflect designer Maria Grazia Chiuri vision of the collection as: “pure post-lockdown psychology... a longing for opulence suppressed by strict austerity”

FASHION SET

This ultra-modern set harks back to the old-school glamour of the 1940s, as interpreted by Jeremy Scott in his retro salon-style presentation for AW21. The intimate showcase was a thought-provoking image of our current surreal lives: a preparation to gear up for our post-pandemic return to reality. Hair was full-on 1940s glamour, delivered with an air of modernity through a loose finish and soft texture.

TRESS CHIC

Lived-in luxe was the vibe at Victoria Beckham catwalk, for the perfect midpoint between celebratory glam and cautious reality. Heavily inspired by the 90’s, think blunt fringes, heavy cuts, and lived-in texture, but with the healthy, luxe feel that you expect from the Victoria Beckham girl. It’s ‘hair realness’ with a slept in, individual feel.

Collection credits:

Hair: Patrick Wilson

Photography: Claire Rothstein

Makeup: Jose Bass

Stylist: Nicole Smallwood