IN ONE EAR, OUT THE OTHER
labret hoops at Dion Lee, septum rings at Rihanna’s Fenty x Puma show, bellybutton piercings on proud display at DKNY, and sculptural cuffs decorating ears at Alexander McQueen. Australian model Ollie Henderson explains the rationale behind her piercings: “As a model, you don’t have the opportunity to change your appearance, so piercing was a chance to reclaim my body without affecting my career.” For Smith, expressing personal style through piercings that blend seamlessly with one’s lifestyle is of utmost importance. “It’s expensive and semi-permanent, so I want it to make sense whether you’re at the gym or a fancy event,” he says. “It needs to be elegant enough to look good with anything.” To those with Pinterest-found imagery of artfully curated lobes, hoping to recreate the look exactly—a word of warning: “Start small. You’ll have some ups and downs over the months of healing.” Also important to note are the potential acupunctural effects of a piercing. Sydneybased acupuncturist Rodd Sanchez explains, “When you place metal into the body, you are conducting a charge of electrical impulses. Initially, you will get a rush of those endorphins and neo-transmitters in the brain.” Suggesting a consultation with an auricular specialist for those with health concerns, he notes the effects of certain placements. “We use filters, light, and colour to seek out the points that will be most stimulated. Using different metals will get you different results.” Does Smith believe the practice of piercing has curative benefits? “I don’t know if it does or if it doesn’t—but I believe in the power of the brain,” he says. “I just want the whole thing, from start to finish, to be this beautiful process. Piercings really do stay with people, so I’d just like to take that experience to a whole new level. It can be healing in such a weird way.”