Part nostalgia, part highly futuristic, the dynamic contradiction of Christopher Shannon's S/S14 show was underpinned by the glittering multi-coloured hair that sparkled down the catwalk, created by John Vial. Here, AnOther speak to Vial about
Inspired by the post-rave Northern club scene of Liverpool and Manchester, Christopher Shannon’s S/S14 display of acid brights resurrected the super club kids of a bygone 90s rave. Featuring rubber, vinyl and PVC, the collection captured the youthful glamour and wild excess of the party culture, presenting a uniform of loose shorts, prominent shirt collars and printed knitwear, with personal threads of Shannon’s youth running through each seam.
Luxe sportswear in retro watermelon and orange was interspersed by Liberty prints and clinical whites. Part nostalgia, part highly futuristic, the dynamic contradiction was underpinned by the glittering multi-coloured hair that sparkled down the catwalk. Electric shades of pink, lilac and cobalt blue created by John Vial, Creative Director for Fudge. The idea stems from Shannon’s own teenage years, where he used hair glitter as an innovative and thrifty way to enhance his outfits. The style was complimented by make by Lauren Parsons, who used pop shades inspired by festivals and folklore. Here, AnOther speak to Vial about creating the glitterbomb look.
"The idea stems from Shannon’s own teenage years, where he used hair glitter as an innovative and thrifty way to enhance his outfits"
How long did each hairstyle take?
Roughly 15 minutes, but we had a few people working on each head. The biggest challenge was making sure the glitter stayed on the head and not on the clothes. Hair was first covered in hair varnish to sculpt and shape – it was added in abundance for the glitter to stick to and then membrane gas or Glitter Blasts were sprayed to set the glitter.
How did you decide on the acid colours?
We chose each colour according to the models' outfits and skin tones so that the colours would complement them all. A lot of prep work and thought went into each boy's look.
How many cans of glitter were used?
More than I can count! If you wanted to get this effect with glitter spray only, I’d say you need at least a whole can (maybe two) depending on how much hair you have.
What was the biggest obstacle faced in styling the hair?
The glitter going over Lauren's beautiful make up and Christopher’s clothes!
What kind of man does the hairstyle reflect?
A free spirited man who loves life and enjoys it to the max. He’s fun, likes to dress up and doesn’t take himself too seriously.
Text by Mhairi Graham
