Yahoo Lifestyle 
Interview: Brad Ngata
What do you love most about styling for a show?
I like the creative process so working with the designer and going through their inspirations. Then we work together to break that down and translate that back into a hair trend or style.
FASHION SNAPSHOT: Latest from RAFW
How did you come to work with Gail Sorronda for her 2011 RAFW show?
I’ve worked with Gail for the past three seasons so I’ve really started to understand her aesthetic and what she’s about.
Can you tell us how you came to create the looks for the show?
With this collection she’s doing something that‘s quite minimal and very pared back so I’ve tried to translate this into the hair.
How important is the hair to a show?
It really adds another dimension to the overall concept and feel. It can portray an emotion to what the collection is saying.
Describe the look you’ve created for Gail’s show.
It’s a nod to the 90s so it’s very austere and minimalist.
How do you achieve the style?
I’ve done it with textures so the top texture is quite dry and a little bit undone. Then we tie it off around the neck so there is a contrast between the top and bottom layer. The bottom section is smooth and straight so visually it will look quite interesting - from the front it’s quite austere but at the back it’s got this cool detail.
FASHION SNAPSHOT: Latest from RAFW
Do you work closely with the make-up artist too?
I also try to tie the hair in with the make up so I’ve added lots of bobby pins to the sides as a reference to the white lines on the eyebrows.
How can people try this look at home?
Maybe don’t tie cloth around your neck but I would encourage people to definitely work with the difference textures. So you have the distressed texture through the top which can be created by backcombing. Then where the hair is skinny iron it and put it into a ponytail.
Where do you get the inspiration for the looks from?
I’m totally aware of what’s coming in and out of fashion, that’s part of my job. The styles I create are also influenced by what I’m seeing so it can be lots of different things - a texture I love, type of curl or a particular colour. It’s a variety of things and you often see looks that are repeated.
What are the big trends for this season?
With the past seasons we’ve seen a lot of texture and curl. It’s kind of an open book though – there was a really strong 50s influence then it went into the 70s now I think we’re seeing a bit of the 90s again. The minimalism trend is all over the place!
You have a successful salon in Sydney, do you prefer working with your clients or styling models?
I think one feeds off the other so working backstage on shows like Gail’s is exciting because you get to work with a team and that’s really cool. I take that energy back to the salon. I also have great clientele so I get a lot out of that too, it all revolves around each other.
What are your favourite products?
L’Oréal Professionnel range is great for giving lift and texture to the hair, that’s what helps to achieve the dusty, dry affect. To create a lovely sheen I use L’Oreal Sparkling Mist and Crystal Gloss.
What’s the most requested styles in salon at the moment?
It depends on the age but lots of clients want ‘It’ girl hair so it’s messy, undone and not too neat. I have created a similar style for the Little Joe show, the hair have a heaviness to it so it’s falling forward with a drop curl.
