We speak to Sam McKnight about his "basketweave pony" hairstyles for Fendi A/W14 and his favourite fashion week moments
Sam McKnight is a fashion week favourite. As well creating definitive hair looks for shows including Fendi, Trussardi, Chanel, Marios Schwab and Mulberry, McKnight is also an avid instagrammer, providing his followers with a humorous angle to his backstage antics (see The Wig Man). This season, AnOther caught up with the man himself after the Fendi show – entitled Made in Italy and bursting with wild fur stoles – to reflect on those clean "basketweave ponies" and his Milan activities.
How would you describe the hair at Fendi? What mood were you trying to create?
A basketweave pony.
How did the idea for the hair come about, was it inspired by anything in particular?
Karl's brief was a sketch he drew of a small head with partings on each side and the "purity of lines". We interpreted this in intricate woven flat hair, almost like origami.
"Karl's brief was a sketch he drew of a small head with partings on each side – we interpreted this in intricate woven flat hair, almost like origami" — Sam McKnight
How was the look created?
It was constructed in a complicated way of sectioning, combing, stitching underneath, then covering with hair, from front to back then caught in a natural textured low pony.
What was the biggest obstacle faced when creating this hairstyle?
Time!
How do the shows in Milan compare to other cities?
Milan is always slick/chic/simple/sexy.
Did you notice any particular hair trends this season?
I hate hair trends! But if you want to pigeonhole, then raw nature is your word. But then it's always been mine. Does that make me trendy?! Please God, noooo!
What is your favourite moment from fashion week so far?
My favourite moment from fashion week so far was the delicious pizza rucola I had for lunch today. Yum!
Text by Mhairi Graham
