Hair by Sam McKnight,
celebrating 40 years of his successful career
One of the world’s most well-respected fashion
hair stylists in the industry, Sam McKnight opens the first ever hair
exhibition “Hair by Sam McKnight.” The exhibition at Somerset house showcases
an array of his famous work, from the most iconic fashion images, to timelines
of magazine covers and his backstage work at the shows. An exhibition for both
beauty and fashion enthusiasts, Take a tour through the highlights of 40 years
of his innovative work.
A beautifully laid out exhibition, displaying a cabinet in the centre of
the room, inside a suitcase bursting with an assortment of hair tools as you
first enter. From curlers and straighteners to brushes, combs and styling
products, the shelves give us a picture of the hair stylist’s busy lifestyle
and what he packs for a shoot. As you move further into the exhibit you will
feel the backstage atmosphere as you meet with a realistic backstage show set
up. More styling tools are laid out on tables and iconic clips of videos from
the shows are flashing through the light up mirrors, it’s as if you are
experiencing it for yourself!
McKnight’s hair styling has helped shape the appearances and identities
of many famous names throughout his career including Princess Diana, Kate Moss,
Madonna, Linda
Evangelista and Lady Gaga. The “Wet hair look” on Princess Diana was a highlight in
McKnight’s career, you can also see the relationship between the two from the
hand-written notes from Princess Diana to McKnight. We see this in another room
where over 190 magazine covers make a timeline, you can view the history of his
famous covers and hair styles with the most iconic faces, along with personal
photographs from his career.
The exhibition shows McKnight’s notable collaborative work with brands
and photographers including Nick Knight, Patrick Demarchelier, Vivienne
Westwood and Chanel. In the Vivienne Westwood room mannequins stand posing in a
dark enchanting setting, colourful unique and quirky hair styles that were
created for the catwalk show off the brands iconic look. Towards the end of the
exhibit McKnight’s work with Chanel is showcased beautifully in a pink room.
Mannequins come to life, dressed in timeless pieces from the brand with various
famous wig styles. You can relax and watch the recent Chanel show and the
exquisite work from McKnight unravel as it plays in the next room. View even
more from Chanel with Karl Lagerfeld’s own sketches of the catwalk look.
The exhibition gives you an experience and an insight into the stylist’s
life and career in the fashion industry.
Hair by Sam McKnight is on at Somerset House, The Strand, London until the
12th March 2017. Ticket prices £10.50 - £13.
