Runways become their own miniature worlds for fashion shows through set design. It’s rare to find the same level of narrative detail backstage, but that was the case at Collina Strada’s Fall/Winter 2024 show. Behind the scenes, one uncovered a pocket of wilderness. Upright tree branches lined the perimeter of the space, and small, translucent orbs were strung from the ceiling, floating above the heads of the models who sat beneath them.
This quote was printed against one of the walls in the space: “In the Northern Lands, there are myths of forest gnomes, of fairies, of fae folk. These reflecting pools offer an invitation to reflect on the magic that is all around you.” In Nordic mythology, there are three realms: the realms of the gods, the realms of mortals, and the realms of the underworld. These clusters are all supported by the branches of a massive and expansive tree.
The show’s beauty looks mirrored the fantastical world of Nordic fairy tales. The makeup look was centered around a clean, fresh base that was paired with soft pastel hues either on the eyebrows or dusted atop the eyelids. And for the hair looks, key stylist and Bumble and bumble global artistic ambassador Evanie Frausto took things to imaginative new realms via graphic hair tattoos that were equal parts intricate and subversive.
For a glossy, lacquered finish, Frausto used Bumble and bumble Bb. Gel to slick down the hair then hit it with blasts of Bumble and bumble Holding Spray—a wet hairspray—before layering on Bumble and bumble Bb. Strong Finish Hairspray. To create the hair tattoos, Frausto cut strips of hair before using “gel to ribbon it and create shapes,” he explains backstage at the show. “On one side is the Collina Strada star and on the other side is the Collina Strada fairy wing. It’s supposed to feel a bit punk and hard core.” It’s also meant to echo the aforementioned Nordic fairy tales. “The tattoos also have this tree branch-vibe to them,” shares Frausto. The hair tattoos reflected the atmosphere of the actual runway. “[They] reflect the show’s music, and [are] also inspired by metal band font styles,” explains Frausto.
“It adds a little bit of lightness without going too sweet,” he adds. This minimal yet eye-catching aesthetic, unconventional lines, and a sense of whimsy echoes Collina Strada creative director Hillary Taymour’s aesthetic point of view.
Photos: Courtesy of Joaquin Castillo
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