5 Disruptive Hair Artists You Should Know
By Something CuratedWithin the context of the industry, working closely alongside art directors, stylists, make-up artists, and photographers, hair stylists are often responsible for some of the most memorable aspects of fashion shows, editorials and campaigns. A handful of these creatives have taken the medium of hair to the next level, traversing the lines between art and fashion with their inventive outputs. Something Curated takes a closer look at five examples, spanning emergent Instagram stars and industry veterans who continue to dramatically innovate.
Bob Recine
Unrelentingly testing the potentials of the material, Bob Recine’s sculptural works can be interpreted as hairstyles, or equally, art objects. Well-known for his inventive assemblages, Recine grew up in 70s New York, where he began his career as a young musician and artist. It was Andy Warhol who introduced him to the legendary French hairdresser Jean Louis David, who, identifying Recine’s talent, offered him the chance to move to Paris to immerse himself in the world of hair.
Ryon Wu
Hailing from Southern California, Ryon Wu is a self-styled living anime cyborg, donning hair and make-up looks, as well as clothing and accessories of his own creation. Having garnered a sizable online following, his signature hairstyle is gelled strands of hair combed into swirly spikes laying neatly on his forehead, occasionally featuring precisely placed colourful extensions, demonstrating his eye for detail.
Eugene Souleiman
Now in his third decade in the industry, celebrated London-born British hairstylist Eugene Souleiman continues to test limits. Souleiman’s career began in 1982 when a job centre placement led him to become an apprentice hairdresser. The creative has gone onto work with fashion’s most esteemed photographers both editorially, and collaborating with them on campaigns for Balenciaga, Givenchy, Fendi, Lanvin and Yohji Yamamoto, among many others.
Lydia Chan
https://www.instagram.com/p/BoNM22blwMa/
London-based Lydia Chan studied Fashion Communication and Promotion at Central Saint Martins, with aspirations of becoming a stylist. Exploring her interests in set design, jewellery making, millinery and hair styling, she found greater fulfilment in engaging her diverse creative impulses rather than being restricted to a single practice. Today, she’s collaborated with publications including Vogue Italia, King Kong and Wonderland.
Janine Ker
Having previously practiced as a fine artist, California native Janine Ker has built a cult following on Instagram with her hair creations, comprising geometric shapes and a confident use of colour. Taking inspiration from 80s fashion and music, as well as kaleidoscopic forms and nature, Ker’s sculptural designs are strikingly distinct.
Feature image via Bob Recine