For her Spring 2024 runway show, Korean designer Son Jung Wan looked towards the richness of nature for inspiration while designing her most recent collection. Through her usage of rich, draped silhouettes often paired with a combination of lightweight materials such as tulle, organza, and chiffon, Son was able to beautifully reimagine some of Earth’s most beautiful creatures. Created in a vibrant color palette that ranged from lively pastels to fondant pink and cyber lime, her collection of shimmering, sparkly gowns and super-chic separates was truly a feast for the eyes.
To support Son’s vision for the show, lead hairstylist Matthew Curtis dreamed up the perfect hair for all the models, using an array of Olivia Garden tools and Oribe hair products. Working with his team, which included his first assistant Jamie Hollis, Curtis opted to create a slicked-back bun with a deep side part and side-swept bangs that would still look very beautiful, but wouldn’t distract from the garments.
Pre-show, The Tease had the opportunity to chat with Hollis to learn more about Curtis’ inspiration for the hair looks as well as the key products and tools that were used backstage. Keep on reading for more!
The Tease: What can you tell us about the hair looks for the Son Jung Wan SS24 runway show? What served as inspiration?
Jamie Hollis: We wanted something very sophisticated, very elegant, and very chic without being overly complicated and just over the top or too extra. We wanted to keep it very classy.
How does the hair complement the fashion from the collection?
Hollis: Oh, it’s amazing. It doesn’t distract from it at all. Her work is so beautiful. And, I keep using the word elegant, but that’s really what it is.
What key Oribe products are you using backstage to prep and style the hair?
Hollis: So, we have a number of them. Depending on the hair texture, we’re going to use different things. Some of [the models] are coming from other shows, so they’re going to need a little bit more of a different product or a little bit less. But, mainly we used the Tres Set Structure Spray for directional blow drying to get it nice and smooth. It has a little bit of hold, but nothing too wet. The Soft Lacquer Heat Styling Spray is going to give us that sheen and buttery feel. We used the Airstyle Flexible Finish Cream to smooth out the hair once we got those ponies in and before we got the buns up. So, it’s nice. The shape holds really nicely without it being too product-y.
What tools are you using alongside the Oribe products?
Hollis: We have really amazing tool kits this season. We’re using Olivia Garden for everything. Their Speed XL brushes are amazing. We have blow dryers, curling irons, and flat irons, too. The curling irons —we didn’t use for this show, but the flat irons were perfect. And, the blow dryers are incredible!
Lastly, what’s your favorite part about working at New York Fashion Week?
Hollis: The people and the community. You meet so many people and make relationships that you’ll have for life. You really have your pick of the little when it comes to community. I love that.
Get the Look: Slicked-Back Bun With Deep Side Part and Side-Swept Bangs
- Start by creating an arked deep side part.
- Spray Oribe’s Tres Set Structure Spray on the hair and dry through using the Olivia Garden Super HP Blow Dryer to create a smooth sheen on the hair.
- Section the fringe area out.
- Tie back the area into a smooth low ponytail just above the nape.
- Then, work on the fringe area, keeping it angular so it flows visually in a perfect line across the forehead and into the nape. Make sure to secure it.
- Use Oribe’s Superfine Strong Hairspray to smooth the base of the ponytail, using a soft bristle brush.
- Use Oribe’s Airstyle Flexible Finish Cream to run through the lengths of the ponytail and when twisting to keep a smooth classic chignon.
- Twist and secure it, ensuring it looks high shine but not hard and crisp—it bends to look like it has a buttery sheen
- Leave the end of the hair out and leave to look intentional.
- Finish the base of the pony with Oribe’s Apres Beach Wave and Shine Spray.
If you recreate these looks for your next client, or for yourself at home, be sure to tag @readthetease on Instagram.
