March 20th, 2019
London Fashion Week shows from VIN + OMI, the world’s only 100 percent zero-waste concept label which produces textiles connected to social impact projects, are always hugely anticipated events, and this season was no different. With makeup and hair helmed by Warpaint judge, Hannah Wing, the show featured fish shaped bags and belts made from upcycled vinyl advertising panels, along with supermodel Jodie Kidd making her return to the catwalk after a 10-year hiatus, wearing a floral dress made from salvaged plastic.
To end the successful week, images from the show were broadcast on the big Piccadilly Screen in London’s Piccadilly Circus. We caught up with Hannah to find out how it had gone.
Vin + Omi’s show is always high profile. How closely did you work with the designers and what level of input did you have?
The designers were incredibly welcoming and actively sought my opinion with regards to product and styling throughout. We discussed at length the message that they wanted to convey and we were able to agree a hair and makeup design that complimented the clothing. I did a test day and their look book ahead of the show to play around with products and designs.
How long did you have to prep the show?
We started working together a couple of months in advance of the show as I introduced the makeup brand to the designers and worked closely with both. This season I headed up both hair and makeup design including working with wigs, so it was important that we had sufficient time to get everything right.
How many models were you working with and how many were in your makeup team?
We had 40 models and a team of 20 hair and makeup artists
What was the brief for the V&O show?
The designers were looking to emulate a wearable street vibe this season. We felt that a clean, fresh face no makeup makeup was the look we wanted to convey. The paint stripe design was a wearable ‘badge’ to signify the wearer as a parishioner of the Vin + Omi religion.
When looking for makeup and hair brand partners , what were your criteria?
It was really important that the hair and makeup brand partners had the same mindset as the designers when it came to sustainability. I was really keen to ensure that there was an ethical thread – so I wanted to choose cruelty free and (mostly) vegan cosmetics and hair care that could still meet the needs of the brief.
Run us through the products that you used.
My-haircare.com supplied wigs that were dyed with their hair colours. We had five wigs in the show. Emani cosmetics supplied their full range of cosmetics and I used Hopes Relief and Crazy Rumors for skincare and lip balms.
What do you look for in an assistant?
It’s vital that an assistant has a ‘can do’ attitude. I always ask assistants to leave egos at the door! I look for positivity and enthusiasm first and foremost alongside the ability to execute a high standard of makeup artistry. Fashion Week is always hectic so an assistant that is able to take instructions on board and anticipate the needs of both me and their model is always going to stand out.
How complex was the makeup and how much time did you have for each model?
A no makeup makeup is often harder to achieve than a dramatic look. We had approximately one hour to do hair, wigs AND makeup on each model as well as executing the paint stripe which had to look organic.
The show featured Jodie Kidd’s first return to the runway. Did this add extra pressure?
I have worked with Jodie before and despite her catwalk hiatus, she is a true pro. It was important to me that Jodie was looked after behind the scenes, but my team was incredible so I didn’t feel any excess pressure.
What was your biggest challenge and your biggest triumph?
Managing a large team in a short space of time and dealing with both hair and makeup design was a huge challenge in itself but detailed prep work and clear communication within the team meant the show was completed without a hitch. Seeing our work up on the digital billboards at Piccadilly Circus was surreal and I feel very proud to have been part of something that is helping change the way we treat our planet for the better.
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