AAFW 23: THE REDKEN WRAP

Synonymous with fashion and cutting edge trends across the globe, Redken was back on board as Official Hair Partner for Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2023. With a team of all-star Hair Directors on hand to make magic happen and craft hair looks for no less than 13 designers (and 14 shows) across the week, you can be sure that there were an unprecedented number of (quite literally) hair-raising moment peppered across the runways of AAFW23.

Here, we round up our favourite Redken-led hair moments from the whirlwind week that was.

MICHAEL LO SORDO | Hair Director: Richard Kavanagh

It was a masterclass in ‘90s elegance at Michael Lo Sordo’s glamorous showing, with Hair Direction from Richard Kavanagh proving that the timeless influence of Kate Moss was alive and well at AAFW23.

“We wanted to create a look that highlights the luxury and sexiness of the garments with a very lo-fi French chic vibe, channeling Kate Moss in the early 2000’s and creating hair that is effortlessly undone and slightly raw,” Richard explained of his vision for Michael’s show.

Check out our exclusive chat backstage at Michael Lo Sordo with Richard, here.

REDKEN REFRESH ROOM

Influencers, editors and the front-row fashion pack descend on Redken’s AAFW23 Refresh Room.

Designed to send out Fashion Week’s FROW rocking lush locks ahead of the beautiful bedlam that is AAFW, the Redken Refresh Room kicked things off in the most relaxing way possible for guests lucky enough to nab a spot in one of the salon chairs.

We spoke with Redken’s 2023 Fashion Week Ambassador Josh Heuston and quizzed him on his AAFW style, fave Redken products and most eagerly anticipated shows for the week. Check it out, here.

IORDANES SPYRIDON GOGOS | Hair Director: Richard Kavanagh

Less hair styles than sculptured works of art hit the Iordanes Spyridon Gogos catwalk, helmed by the visionary Richard Kavanagh. With a heavy emphasis on artistic structure and pushing the hair well past the realm of what one would ordinarily dream, Richard looked to geometry and his close collaboration with the designer for inspiration in hair direction.

“What Jordan and I discussed was for us to creatively collaborate openly and freely. He asked me to really think about pushing the boundaries of creativity, and when I felt like I was close to the edge… To just jump off. We really went with three key themes in terms of concepts. One is based off a motif (that of a bear and a trogan horse) that runs through the collection, the second being a geometric motif featuring crazy geometric sculptures that the models all wear on their heads and the third is this idea of future punk. It’s really an artistic collaboration between the designer and my hair direction.”

ERIK YVON | Hair Directors: Jacky Chan and Adam McIntosh

Unique embellishments in the hair and a free-spirited approach to runway ready looks defined the hair direction from Oscar Oscar’s Jack Chan and Adam McIntosh at Erik Yvon, capturing the unbridled creativity of the clothing for which Erik Yvon is revered. “Today’s show was inspired by volcanoes, masculinity, ceramic art and darkness all brought to life through embellishments and final touches on each model,” they explained of the hair direction for the show. We tagged along with Redken Team Member (and AAFW first-timer!) Amy Sorensen as she worked back of house with the Redken team, bringing the hair to life for the Erik Yvon show. Check it out, here >

CUE | Hair Director: Diane Gorgievski

For Cue’s first ever runway show, Redken Hair Director Diane Gorgievski looked to create a juxtaposition of 90’s grunge and the power-dressing glamour that Cue is so well known for. The result? The epitome of cool girl hair, boasting beautiful shine and a lived in texture.

“The hair direction for Cue tonight is really inspired by 90’s culture,” reveals Hair Director Diane Gorgievski. “I was really driven by the music and the power dressing of that time, and we’ve been juxtaposing the look with that glamour verse grunge aesthetic. We’ve given the hair a beautiful shine and sheen, but with a lived in texture to the roots – there’s a real duality that has come through in the looks for tonight.”

NEXT GEN | Hair Director: Justin Pace

For the eagerly-awaited Next Gen show, celebrating the debut of 2023 Emerging Designer Program winners Cameron Hill, Liandra Swim, Ruby Redder and XI WU Studio, Hair Director Justin Pace crafted two key looks to embody the unique elements of all four collections presented.

“The first key look was a ponytail top knot with a soft hairline and a mixture of wet and dry textures throughout, to ensure the models’ locks flowed majestically down the catwalk,” explains Justin. “The second look was an effortless blowout with hair tucked behind the ears to emulate that popular sexy style that we’ve seen on the runway a lot this year.”

#WEWEARAUSTRALIAN X AFTERPAY CLOSING SHOW | Hair Director: Richard Kavanagh

The definition of going out in serious style, AAFW23’s hotly anticipated #WeWearAustralian Closing Group Runway (presented by Afterpay) boasted 80 models sporting one of two key hair looks created by Redken Hair Director Richard Kavanagh and the Redken team.

“We’ve got 86 different designers and almost 80 models for this particular show, so naturally have two kind of themes for the hair in terms of direction,” Richard elaborates on creating hair direction for a show of this scale. “First and foremost, we really wanted to celebrate the individual and empower them to feel their best out on this massive runway.”

Check out our full chat with Richard backstage, here.