Backstage at Romance Was Born

A collision of colour and flair from Romance Was Born set the scene for what has been a successful AAFW, the first in two years. Their Resort 23 ‘Done Zone’ collection was set to the thumping bass of Sydney rock band Icehouse, who pumped out classic ’80s hits. The collection mixes rainbow tweeds crafted from vintage wool, shredded silk saris and ribbons rippled like water. Starfish atop shoulders; and trumpet coral-like ruffles, creating a dreamy, aqua disco vibe, bringing the carefree spirit of Ken Done’s iconic art to life. Teamed with sleek hair created by the team at Schwarzkopf Professional, under the directorship of ambassadors Dee Parker Attwood and Jason Fassbender, New Zealand hair stylists Jo Plant and Kylie Pointon were also backstage. The wet-look, shiny styles complement each model, fashion looks and accessories to create a stand-out, optimistic runway show. A nod to a bright future for co-founders of the brand designers Luke Sales and Anna Plunket that Australia’s toughest tangle with COVID is hopefully behind them. See the Romance Was Born show in Sydney, and learn about the decisions and inspiration behind the outlandish, cutting-edge collection.

Image Schwarzkopf

“The hair direction for Romance Was Born show consists of three different wet looks. Hair is meant to look super shiny and wet looking. Look, one is a very tight, snatched top knot. The next is a parted wet wave pushed onto the face, finished at the nape with a twist. The third is a side-parted wet styled roll. Each style was created to suit each model and garment”

— Dee Parker Attwood, Schwarzkopf Professional artist director.

Thanks to Schwarzkopf Professional Jo Plant from Exile Hair Design with Kylie Pointon, from Glamour Hair Boutique, were both backstage at AAFW. “Being surrounded by the Schwarzkopf artist directors Deanne Parker Attwood and Jason Fessbender, was fantastic. The wet inspired looks and polished up-dos were created using the new Schwarzkopf OSIS Session Label range. The Sparkler, Serum with Number 3 Lacquer were the stars backstage,” says Jo Plant from Exile Hair Design.

Kylie Pointon and Jo Plant backstage at AAFW

The Schwarzkopf Professional team used the new Session Label collection at AAFW, including The Miracle, The Serum and The Strong. Each product was used to highlight the wet and sleek nature of hair styles.

“The new Osis Session Label was brilliant backstage. Especially the No.2 is the flexible - Dry Light Hold Hairspray; it’s ultra-fine, sets in seconds, and is perfect for building shape in the hair, making it ideal for glamourous waves and curls.”

— Kylie Pointon Glamour Hair Boutique

“The most significant challenge styling backstage is creating one look on multiple models with different hair types, textures and lengths while working against the clock., but it’s a challenge I relish.”

— Kylie Pointon Glamour Hair Boutique

How to get the look

Side Part French Roll

1. Slightly wet hair with water and Schwarzkopf Professional OSIS+ Hairbody as a prep-spray from the root to the ends.
2. Section the hair, starting with the crown and temporarily clip to hold the hair section.
3. Comb the bottom section of the hair to the swept to the side and hold with bobby pins. Use Schwarzkopf Professional Session Label Hairspray and Session Label The Strong to secure. Roll all the hair in towards the centre, opposite the side sweep, and secure hair with multiple bobby pins. Set hairspray with a hairdryer using the diffuser attachment.
4. With the remaining hair follow the roll of the french bun to ensure the rolls blend. Secure hair with bobby pins, and hairspray, and again use the dryer to set, and smooth flyaways with a fine-tooth tail comb.
6. Finish the entire look with Schwarzkopf Professional OSIS+ Sparkler as a Shine Spray to enhance the wet sleek look.

Snatched Top Knot

1. Wet hair with a combination of water, Schwarzkopf Professional OSIS+ Hairbody, Session Label The Serum, and Session Label The Miracle from the root to the tip.
2. Comb wet hair into a high pony sitting on the top crown and tie with a hair tie. Use Schwarzkopf Professional Session Label Hairspray, Session Label The Strong and Session Label The Serum to wet and set flyaways and ensure the pony is smooth and tight. Set the hairspray with a hairdryer using the diffuser attachment.
3. Start to twist the pony clockwise and wrap the hair around the base of the high ponytail. Hold with bobby pins and hairspray and set with a hairdryer again.
4. Finish the look with the Schwarzkopf Professional OSIS+ Sparkler to enhance that sleek wet look.

Inspired by Australian artist Ken Done

Inspired by Ken Done’s reef paintings, Romance Was Born’s Resort 2023 collection; designers and co-founders Luke Sales and Anna Plunket told the press backstage at AAFW, “We have always been drawn to vintage fabrics and the idea of reworking things to give them a new life,” the duo say. “For this collection, we have regenerated vintage sequin ’80s party dresses to make new fabrics for some of the outfits. It’s so exciting.” The showstopper rippled like living coral, a two-tone gold gown with pleating and ruffled detail.

AAFW street style

Outside on the streets spotted wearing Romance Was Born including singer Thelma Plum, famous Australian model Gemma Ward, presenter Jessica Rowe and New Zealand stylist Chloe Hill.