From Coco Chanel to Alexander McQueen: How Iconic Designers Used Hairstyles to Define Their Brands

From Coco Chanel to Alexander McQueen: How Iconic Designers Used Hairstyles to Define Their Brands

A great hairstyle is an essential part of any high fashion look. From the sleek bob of Coco Chanel to the dramatic beehives of Christian Dior, the right hairstyle can make or break a fashion moment. In this article, we will explore the importance of a great hairstyle in the world of high fashion and trend, and we will hear from some of the industry's most iconic figures on the subject.

"A woman's hair is her crowning glory," said Coco Chanel, the legendary fashion designer who revolutionized women's fashion in the early 20th century. "It's the frame for the face, and it can make or break a look. The right hairstyle can add a touch of glamour and sophistication, and it can help to define the aesthetic of a collection."

hairdressers can create iconic hairstyles

Indeed, the right hairstyle can make all the difference in the world of high fashion. In many of her advertising campaigns and runway shows, Chanel featured her signature bob, a sleek and modern haircut that helped to define the independent woman of the 1920s and 30s. "The bob was a revolutionary look at the time," Chanel said, "and it helped to create a cohesive and consistent aesthetic for my brand."

Christian Dior, the iconic French fashion designer, also used hair to tell a story in his advertising and runway shows. Known for his romantic and ethereal aesthetic, Dior often featured bold and dramatic hairstyles in his collections, such as the beehive. "Hairstyles are an integral part of the fashion world," Dior said. "They can set the tone for a collection and add a touch of drama and intrigue to the runway. The beehive, in particular, was a key part of my aesthetic. It added glamour and sophistication to my designs, and it helped to create a cohesive and memorable look for my brand."

A hairdresser is important to style and fashion

Other fashion icons, such as Yves Saint Laurent and Alexander McQueen, also used hair to tell a story in their advertising and runway shows. Saint Laurent, known for his sleek and polished aesthetic, often used clean and modern hairstyles, such as the ponytail, to create a cohesive and polished look for his collections. "The ponytail is a timeless and chic hairstyle," Saint Laurent said. "It adds a touch of sophistication to any outfit, and it helps to create a cohesive look for my brand."

iconic hairstyles made possible by hairdressers

Meanwhile, McQueen, known for his avant-garde and theatrical aesthetic, often featured elaborate and fantastical hairstyles in his runway shows. "I believe that hair is an important part of the fashion experience," McQueen said. "It can add a touch of drama and mystery to a collection, and it can help to create a cohesive and unforgettable look for my brand. In many of my shows, I used elaborate and imaginative hairstyles to create a sense of magic and wonder on the runway."

Recreating the iconic looks of fashion designers such as Coco Chanel, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and Alexander McQueen can be a fun and challenging task for a hairstylist. To do so, you will need to research the signature styles of each designer and carefully study their most famous looks. You may want to look at photographs and videos of their fashion shows, red carpet appearances, and other public events to get a sense of their aesthetic and the key elements of their hairstyles.

Once you have a good understanding of the designers' signature styles, you will need to consider the specific features of the person you are working on, such as their face shape, hair type, and personal preferences. This will help you tailor the look to the individual and create a modern version that is both stylish and flattering.

To create a Chanel-inspired look, for example, you may want to start by creating a sleek, straight bob with a deep side part. For the bob, be sure to use a sharp set of hair shears to ensure accuracy and detail. This classic look was popularized by Coco Chanel and remains a timeless favorite among many women. To add a modern twist, you could add some textured waves or curls to the hair, or play with different hair accessories such as headbands, barrettes, or hats.

For a Dior-inspired look, you could focus on creating elegant, feminine updos that highlight the wearer's facial features. Christian Dior was known for his love of beauty and glamour, and his hairstyles often featured soft, loose curls and intricate braids. To recreate this look, you could try incorporating braids, twists, and other intricate styling techniques to create a romantic and sophisticated updo.

For a Saint Laurent-inspired look, you could focus on creating bold, striking hairstyles that make a statement. Yves Saint Laurent was known for his avant-garde designs and dramatic looks, and his hairstyles often featured bold shapes, bright colors, and exaggerated textures. To recreate this look, you could experiment with bold cuts and colors, and incorporate elements such as braids, twists, and other creative styling techniques.

Finally, for a McQueen-inspired look, you could focus on creating edgy, avant-garde hairstyles that push the boundaries of conventional beauty. Alexander McQueen was known for his avant-garde designs and his love of the unconventional, and his hairstyles often featured bold shapes, bright colors, and exaggerated textures. To recreate this look, you could experiment with bold cuts, colors, and styling techniques to create a unique and daring hairstyle that reflects the wearer's personal style.

In conclusion, a great hairstyle is an essential part of any high fashion look. From adding drama and intrigue to a runway show to keeping a look current and fresh, a great hairstyle can make all the difference. As Coco Chanel, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and Alexander McQueen have shown, the right hairstyle can elevate a look and help to define the aesthetic of a fashion collection. So whether you're looking to make a fashion statement or simply update your look, be sure to give your hairstyle the attention it deserves.