It takes a unique mix of urban creativity, spirit, energy and style to cut it in the fashion arena, especially with the gap between international stages closing rapidly as the mix of talent pushes the bar ever-upwards. Clothes may be the initial drawcard for events such as Rosemount Australian Fashion Week, but we all know these days that fashion is so much more than fabric on a model... it comprises a total look, including hair and makeup, to help those beautiful garments sizzle.
And getting the sizzle factor right is not a task for the faint-hearted. Backstage at RAFW, the team for Redken 5th Avenue NYC took up their post as the Official Hair Partner for the event. So, what expectations accompany this sparkling title?
The sponsorship saw Redken styling it up for all the Group Shows (five Ready to Wear shows and two New Generation events), and a hefty selection of individual collection shows... this year including Kate Sylvester, Lisa Ho, Akira Isogawa, One Teaspoon and more.
With a schedule such as this, a mighty team is assembled to keep the wheels in motion and the designers happy with the ‘dos headed down the catwalk. Enter seven of Australia's top stylists and their talented teams, and the Official Hair Partner title is in good hands.
KENNETH STODDART
A freelance session stylist, Kenneth travels the globe as an in-demand hair guru, working with fashion designers at all major fashion weeks, and he has an embarrassingly long list of fabulous editorial shoots under his belt. Kenneth has also recently been dubbed Redken's Creative Consultant.
PHILIP BARWICK
As a Redken Artistic Director and salon owner of Muse in Darlinghurst, Philip is one of Australia's most highly regarded platform artist. His creativity and imagination, along with his strong technical ability, makes Philip a very handy behind-the-scenes man... especially with his invaluable fashion week experience working with designers such as Nicola Finetti and Toni Maticevski.
DAREN BORTHWICK
Daren is freelance session stylist, connected to the Artist Group. His esteemed resume boasts regular editorial shoots for Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Madison and Marie Claire, and brand work for Herringbone and Australian designer Alannah Hill. In 2007 and again this year, Daren's session skills were brought to the fore when he was announced a finalist for the Hair Expo Session Hair Stylist of the Year award.
TODD ARNDT
Todd is co-owner of Vogue Nationale Hair Design in Brisbane, a force to be reckoned with since it's opening in 1979. In addition to his ever-expanding list of clients, Todd regularly holds seasonal design trend evenings to showcase Vogue Nationale's impressive creative work, and works regularly as a session stylist at various fashion events and photos shoots.
JULIANNE MCGUIGAN
When not on the tools working for hip Darlinghurst salon, Sable Hair, Julianne is styling it up on the international circuit. As a freelance stylist for DLM agency, Julienne has graced the pages of Nylon magazine and provided hair gold for brands such as Kenneth Cole, Marc Jacobs and Calvin Klein.
ALEX GRAHL
Alex owns iconic boutique salon Phyzogs in Sydney, has 18 years experience in hairdressing, five of these as a Redken Guest Artist and has been a staple at Australian Fashion Week for the past six years. She's no stranger to editorial photo shoots and has clocked up 12 prestigious awards over the years, including The Face of IHS.
MARIA ARDINO
As salon owner and creative director for Ardino Hair in Sydney's stylish suburb of Paddington, Maria's quest for beauty perfection is reflected in all she does... from her backstage designs at Fashion Week to her dressing her client's tresses in the salon, it's the instinct for the innovative that sets Maria apart.
On the following six pages, we take you on a journey of RAFW with Team Redken... from day dot through to the last hurrah, you'll be in the know on just what goes on for a week in the life of the Official Hair Partner of Rosemount Australian Fashion Week.