MBFWA kicked off in style with the official Mercedes Benz Presents opener: Aje.
Amidst the picturesque backdrop of Sydney’s Harbour (an iconic site befitting the brand’s ever-flourishing global scope), an assemblage of whimsical creations found life upon the runway; each piece unarguably more exquisite than it’s predecessor.
In typical Aje form, garments bore evidence of the design duo’s penchant for quality craftsmanship, artisanal detail work and all things beautiful: with this season’s resort theme, ‘Bloomscape’ channeling the Australian landscape, aesthetic and spirit diversity.
The Collection: Picture a ‘blooming’ palette of vibrant, statement hues (from bright fuchsia through to tangerine yellow) artfully intermingled with pops of Australiana-colour: think burnt terracotta à la Ayers Rock, shades of swampy green and welcome hints of ocean blue.
Billowy bell sleeves, ruffled shoulders and a size-spanning spectrum of floral embellishments accompanied runway-sweeping trains, kitschy souvenir details and a show stopping multi-hued shirt-gown donned by it-model Agi Akur.
The Hair: Hair for the show was curated by TONI&GUY National Creative Director Katy Reeve alongside Creative Hair Director for ghd Pauline McCabe, who collaborated to reflect the brand’s trademark ethos of individuality, by accentuating each model’s natural look.
“The look for tonight melds perfectly with the effortless Aje aesthetic, and was inspired by the collection’s premise: the Australian landscape,” shared Katy.
“Its a really raw, cool look, inspired in part by the [undulating] waves of the ocean. There’s an effortless feel to the hair, so it was important for us to create the right texture.”
Katy’s hero product: Label.M’s hero Blowout Spray, to prime the hair before creating desired texture. Product was applied from roots to mid lengths, before which Katy used the ghd Air® Hair Dryer and Curling Tong to create shape.
“We’ve used it on all of the girls before blow-drying and tonging the hair. It’s a great texturising spray that helps us to really set the look while also providing heat protection ahead of styling.”
“We kept the section quite organic; it’s a look that’s not too contrived or set. It’s got that cool girl, effortless vibe that’s perfect for the Aje girl. It’s a look that easily translates from the runway into the salon.”
“Katy and I wanted to ensure that the hair didn’t feel too ‘overdone’, so it had a very loose, natural feel to it,” added Creative Hair Director for ghd Pauline McCabe.
“We had a vision to create hair that was not heavily styled, but instead echoed the inspiration behind the collection with soft, clean textures that complement the natural hair formation.”
Pauline’s hero tools? The ghd air hairdryer, oval dressing brush and the ghd tail comb – all of which were used to prep and prime the hair ahead of styling.
The ghd curve soft curl tong was alternated with ghd’s classic curl tong to give the hair a natural soft ‘s’ bend that enhanced the hair’s natural texture, for ‘cool girl waves with an undone finish.
Visit: https://www.toniandguy.com.au
Images: Getty