Welcome To The Circus – Richard Phillipart Talks Technique Behind His Latest Work At Paris Men’s Fashion Week

The Most Wanted 2024 Creative Talent finalist shares how he crafted bespoke looks inspired by the playfulness of circus troupes.

by KELSEY | CONVERSATIONS

Cirque du Soleil performance at Kid Studios

Image from @KidSuper

For his second voyage to Paris during Fashion Week, award-winning hairstylist Richard Phillipart turned his attention to Men’s Fashion Week S/S25, bringing his trusted #TeamPhillipart with him to both Études Studio & KidSuper Studios.

After making his international debut in March, Richard and his team worked on four shows across London, Milan, and Paris for the men’s catwalks – an impressive feat without an agent!

Bringing big top energy to one of the four fashion capitals, the KidSuper Studios show saw the circus as the overarching theme, while exploring interconnectedness and the unseen forces shaping our world, using strings and puppetry to delve into who controls the strings in our lives, both literally and metaphorically. This included models walking the runway attached by strings to giant hands that circled the stage on tracks as if the models were puppets being played with by giants. Taking the theme one step further, the show also included a spectacular performance by Cirque du Soleil.

Images by @jowkid

The look

Inspired by the whimsical charm of vintage marionettes, Richard designed individual looks for each model that focus on sleek dynamic shapes with “spit curls” and flicked edges that invoke the playfulness of circus troupes. Contrasting longer hair textures reflect the collection’s vibrant and eclectic spirit.

The how-to

All models had their hair prepared by cleansing and treating with MyOrganics Supreme Shampoo and Miracle Mask, chosen as they provide intense nourishment without weighing it down.

Hair was then coated with My Organics Hydrating Strong Mouse to add a pliable texture and hold. A strong parting was given to all models, and their hair was blown away from the face.

Once dry, MyOrganics Water Moulding Wax was applied liberally. Using a strong brush, the wax was worked into the hair in the desired direction. Hair was then drenched in MyOrganics Strong Hold Hydrating Hairspray and the finished style was set using a hairdryer and diffuser.