In the lead-up to our Australian Fashion Week runway show, every element was meticulously crafted to tell a unified story; one of movement, liquidity and refined femininity. Central to this vision was the collaboration between Bianca Spender and Shark Beauty, our official hair tools partner for the show.

In conversation with Shark Beauty Hair Director, Chris Hunter, and our Founder and Creative Director, Bianca Spender, we explore the inspiration behind the runway looks; From the sculptural silhouettes that defined the collection, to the soft, fluid hair direction that echoed its emotional depth. Together, they share their creative synergy, the role of innovation in shaping the final look, and how beauty and fashion can come together to amplify a singular, powerful vision.

Scroll on to read the full interview.

HOW DOES HAIR HELP TO TELL THE STORY ABOUT THE COLLECTION?

BIANCA: “This collection is one that is very close to my heart, I am a person that is obsessed with swimming in the ocean and it’s always been a space that takes me into another world. It’s been exciting to explore hair this season, because of that sense of plunging underwater. There is this way that the hair itself is like liquid, and that feeling when a wave comes over you and moves through the hair.”

WHAT IS THE OVERALL HAIR DIRECTION FOR THE SHOW, AND HOW DOES IT COMPLIMENT BIANCA’S COLLECTION?

CHRIS: “We are really trying to replicate the hair of someone coming out of the water. But not your typical wet look. Bianca’s collection has some beautiful lines and shapes, with drape coming off the shoulder. And the hair that we’re creating is effectively wet hair, but less intentional, exploring how it sits organically when coming out of the water. Quite natural and textured.”

WHAT DOES COLLABORATION MEAN TO YOU WHEN IT COMES TO BRINING YOUR FASHION VISION TO LIFE? ESPECIALLY IN IN THE CONTEXT OF CHRIS AS YOUR CREATIVE HAIR DIRECTOR AND SHARK BEAUTY AS ONE OF YOUR TOOL SPONSORS?

BIANCA: “As a creative the most exciting moment in the show is creating a world, combining all the layers of set, music, the girl, hair and the makeup. It is so exciting to work with Shark Beauty and Chris, a team that shares the same excitement over this theme of liquidity and plunging into water. I wanted our version of the wet look to be more organic, a moment in itself. Chris was so excited by this vision, as the wet look is something he’s been playing around with a client of his. The way you can combine these layers, whether it be the tools and the product, allows us to create another world for the wet look. There is this sense of the perfect blow-dry, which we want to shift and play with. We’re able to bring together hair textures, from curls to straight, and they all have a way that they can shine.”

WHAT INSPIRATIONS HAVE YOU DRAWN ON TO CREATE THE HAIR LOOKS FOR THE RUNWAY?

CHRIS: “My inspiration has come from my cliental, believe it or not. I’ve been working with a client of mine for the past six months on wet hair looks, and it’s been inspirational coming into the show with this work behind me. I felt like I was all over the look Bianca wanted. The energy of the hair we are creating is understated, moody, seductive and sophisticated.”

WHAT DOES HAIR MEAN TO YOU IN THE CONTEXT OF FASHION STORYTELLING?

BIANCA: “For me hair is something that transforms you. Sometimes I wear my hair super slicked back, and otherwise a lion’s mane of curls. It’s really interesting how much hair frames everything. It has this way of elongating and punctuating things. It’s so exciting in this moment of hair, that there is so much individuality allowed. This is something that I am really excited about, as my clothes are about this individuality and expression. It’s an exciting moment for fashion and hair, where they both get to sing, not to one story but you can find your own story and your own way. It is just a great marriage.”

CAN YOU TALK US THROUGH THE SPECIFIC TOOL ATTACHMENTS YOU’RE USING, AND WHY?

CHRIS: “The Shark Beauty tool I am most excited about using is my Shark Speed Styler, particularly the diffuser attachment. With the wet look, we start with wet hair and put a whole bunch of product in it. It’s important to use the diffuser to dry the product in. The diffuser disperses all the of the air evenly across the hair, so I’m not getting all the air in one spot. With the fly aways at the front, the Rapid Gloss Finisher attachment is going to smooth them out and give them tension.”

WHAT DOES HAVING A PARTNER LIKE SHARK BEAUTY ALLOW YOU TO EXPLORE THAT YOUR COULDN’T OTHERWISE?

BIANCA: “These moments that we create at fashion week are magic. But to make it come together, you need a team to help you and support your vision. Having people that are passionate, entrepreneurial and want to back you and your vision, propels you. There is lots of work and late nights that go into a show, and having other people come on board and want to do it is like having these incredible cheer leaders that make it all happen.”

With thanks to our sponsors:
Hair Partner: O&M

Hair Tools Partner: Shark Beauty

Makeup & Skincare Partner: Weleda

Footwear: Studio Amelia

Jewellery: Ole Lynggaard

Presenting Partner: Australian Fashion Week

Presenting Organisation: The Australian Fashion Council

Show Credits:
Styling: Jessica Dos Remedios

Production: Catriona Rose

Sound Design: Gary Sinclair

Drape Design: The Make Haus

Location: St Barnabas, Ultimo