Fashion

A Look Backstage: Crafting the Iconic Hairstyles of Vogue World 2025: Hollywood

2025-10-28
Explore the meticulously crafted hairstyles from Vogue World 2025: Hollywood, where lead stylist Jimmy Paul and a dedicated team brought diverse hair visions to life across seven distinct acts, celebrating the evolution of cinematic beauty.

Behind the Scenes: Unveiling the Hair Magic at Vogue World Hollywood

The Visionary Architect of Hair: Crafting 200+ Looks for Vogue World 2025

For Vogue World 2025: Hollywood, the challenge of creating unique hairstyles for over 200 participants fell to seasoned hairstylist Jimmy Paul. He explained that each individual's look was specifically designed to align with their assigned segment within the show's seven acts. This monumental task, involving more than a month of meticulous preparation, was executed in collaboration with the renowned French haircare brand Kérastase.

Backstage Buzz: Hair Preparation and Celebrity Transformations

The backstage area buzzed with activity, filled with the aroma of texturizing hairspray as clips secured curls and baby hairs. Notable figures like Kyle MacLachlan and Jeff Goldblum, unexpected guests for the evening, were seen preparing their hair. Meanwhile, Lila Moss's hair was meticulously treated with Kérastase's Genesis Heat Protecting Leave-In Treatment, skillfully styled with round brushes to embody a "Summer of Love" aesthetic.

Act One: Echoes of Classic Hollywood Elegance

The inaugural act of the show celebrated the timeless beauty of early cinema, focusing on styles from the 1930s and '40s. Paul highlighted that these looks were characterized by their close-to-the-head application, featuring finger waves, sleek low buns, and brushed-out styles reminiscent of the era, such as Laura Harrier's '40s inspired coiffure. A crucial element for achieving this polished appearance was luminous hair, enhanced by Kérastase's Première Repairing High Shine Oil.

Act Two: The Spirit of Rebellion and Playfulness

This segment channeled a rebellious yet whimsical energy, drawing inspiration from films like Tim Burton's Edward Scissorhands and Alice in Wonderland. Models such as Anok Yai and actor Kodi Smit-McPhee showcased playful, punk-inspired variations. Paul described a range of styles including braids, artfully messy waves, a distinct mohawk mullet, and deliberately unfussy wig wraps secured with bobby pins, all embodying a sense of carefree disarray.

Act Three: Historical Figures and Romantic Silhouettes

Act Three evoked a sense of historical romance, referencing cinematic works like Stanley Kubrick's Barry Lyndon and Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette. While some models sported wigs, others, like Grace Elizabeth, had their hair delicately curled and brushed out. For individuals with natural curls, such as Ella Dalton and Luna Yohanna, Kérastase's Curl Manifesto collection was utilized to enhance their hair's inherent beauty, resulting in soft, exquisitely romantic styles.

Act Four: Embracing the Freedom of the Summer of Love

The 1970s, known for its iconic long, flowing, and free hairstyles, took center stage in Act Four. Paul emphasized the "hippie way," using products like Absolu Glaze Drops Anti-Frizz Hair Oil to control frizz while celebrating natural texture. Kérastase's Bouffante Volumizing Hair Mousse added considerable volume. This act also featured celebrity portrayals, including Abby Champion as Sharon Tate, Scarlett White as June Carter Cash, and Conan Gray as Bob Dylan, all embodying a "naturally natural" aesthetic.

Act Five: Bold Avant-Garde Expressions

Act Five explored avant-garde styles, inspired by Sally Potter's Orlando and Todd Haynes's Velvet Goldmine. David Bowie's iconic 1974 look served as a key reference for both hair and makeup. Models like Libby Bennett, Penelope Ternes, and Kayako Higuchi sported the fashionable "bixie" cut, while those with longer hair had theirs styled into sleek low ponytails, creating a somewhat masculine, liberating, and playful aesthetic.

Act Six: Celebrating Afrofuturist Power and Identity

Designated as a celebration of "power, presence, and permanence," Act Six of Vogue World 2025: Hollywood prominently featured Afrofuturist hairstyles. Paul's 50-person hairstyling team included specialists in braiding, who created intricate cornrows, Bantu knots, and other culturally significant styles for the models, actors, and dancers. Paul highlighted these looks as a tribute to beauty and inner strength.

Act Seven: The Visionary Future of the New World

Drawing unexpected inspiration from Denis Villeneuve's Dune franchise, Act Seven presented a "weathered" hair aesthetic. Models including Loli Bahia, Imaan Hammam, Paloma Elsesser, Adriana Lima, Jill Kortleve, and Joan Smalls showcased styles featuring intentional frizz, subtle waves, or clay-like textures, evoking the arid landscapes of Arrakis. Kérastase's Strong Hold Texturizing Hair Spray was essential in maintaining these looks. Paul concluded that despite their "rough" appearance, these futuristic styles retained an undeniable glamour.

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