Mane Attraction
Doyen of the hairstyling world Kim Robinson gives Tatler Weddings the skinny on creating the most desirable wedding dos around
Originally hailing from Australia, but having long called Hong Kong home, hairstylist to the A-list Kim Robinson’s celebrity clients have included Princess Diana, Kate Moss, Cindy Crawford, Michelle Yeoh, Anita Mui and, most recently, soprano Renée Fleming. A pioneer in his field, Robinson introduced sophisticated hair-colouring techniques to our city in the mid-1970s; in 1999, he was the first international stylist to partner with a major fashion retailer, as co-founder of Salon Esprit. Robinson is passionate about creating bridal looks that are as fresh as they are romantic; here, he shares with Tatler Weddings insights gleaned along the journey of his incredible career so far.
Tatler Weddings: What are some of your favourite bridal styles you’ve worked on and why?
Kim Robinson: I really love softer styles that are a bit undone – a little bit imperfect and really embracing the whole feeling of five pins and a bit of hairspray. The hair is draped and placed rather than pulled tight. To me this look feels modern but still romantic and soft.
TW: What trends are you noticing for brides – any particular colours or styles that are hot in 2014?
KR: One: braids – not necessarily one braid, but braids worked into the hair either as part of an updo or as a way to keep the hair off the face in more of a crown style. Two: au naturel – while flowers in the hair have always been in style, we’re seeing more people branch out (no pun intended) to include leaves and other greenery along with flowers. Three: ballerina chignon – timeless and elegant, it really highlights the face and the dress.
TW: What’s your view on veils and headpieces? And how can brides protect their hair when wearing such pieces?
KR: I think veils and headpieces can add a really distinctive look to a style. Ultimately they need to work with the overall look, the cut of the dress, the feel of the wedding – but, when done well, they feel essential to the style. Most pieces don’t harm the hair, but one common error is securing the piece so that it pulls the hair too tight to the scalp. Another is if a veil is too heavy, it can really flatten the hair.
TW: What are the biggest challenges you face in styling bridal hair – have you ever experienced any real bridezilla moments from clients?
KR: Whenever I work with a bride, I insist on doing a trial so we can figure out what styles work best. I think a lot of times a bride has an idea of what she wants her hair to look like, but sometimes the photograph doesn’t work with her face shape, and all of this really needs to be discussed at the consultation, not on a bride’s wedding day.
I haven’t really had any problems with the brides. The challenges actually come when the bride’s family and friends all weigh in with their opinion, and I think too often the bride is trying to please everyone.
Another challenge is sometimes, at the trial, we’ll agree on a style, only for the bride to bring a veil on the day, so that everything needs to be completely changed. My advice is for brides to prepare for their trial and bring all the accessories they plan to wear on the day with them.
TW: What are your views on having a cut and/or colour change before the big day?
KR: Really think about any change – cut or colour – before the big day, and whether this is truly the look you want. I think if the cut is drastic – going from waist-length hair to a choppy bob – then this should be done as early as possible and preferably before a bride has found her dress.
TW: Which bridal style inspired you in 2013, and why?
KR: I think Keira Knightley’s bridal look was absolutely perfect: chic, modern and so tasteful. I think it will really lead a trend towards a more laid-back approach that is still beautiful and glamorous.
TW: What’s your view on having multiple hairstyles throughout the day?
KR: I think it’s pretty common, and for a lot of brides, it’s great to have a choice. I’ve styled weddings where we’ve done six or seven different looks throughout the day and the evening. Usually we only have five-minute changes, but the looks still need to be versatile.
TW: How does the process work in terms of deciding how to style a bride-to-be?
KR: With all brides I work with, I insist on a consultation. It’s incredibly helpful if the bride brings a photo of her dress or dresses, as well as pictures of hairstyles that she likes. It’s important to also bring the accessories she’ll wear on the day, so that we can integrate this into the styles. I also ask the bride to wear white – a white T-shirt is fine – because it helps give a better feeling on how the whole look is going to pull together. We have beauty and make-up services at [his salon] kimrobinson, and often our brides will have both consultations on the same day so we can create a complete style.
TW: Do you go on location with brides, and would you typically be on hand throughout the day to attend to their hair?
KR: I’m on location all the time for brides – sometimes concentrating just on the bride, and other times helping create styles for the mother or maid of honour as well. I think being part of a wedding is a privilege, and I’m always honoured to be asked. For many women, her wedding day is one of the most important days of her life, and to be part of that experience is really fantastic.
TW: How important is conditioning? What are some of your favourite products for brides, and why?
KR: Every bride has different hair, so there’s no single rule. In general, if you’re getting married and you don’t love your hair, go to your stylist as early as possible and work on enhancing its condition.
Depending on the bride’s style, my kit will contain different items, but a few products that I always travel with are a mini-crimper I developed, which helps add long-lasting natural volume to the crown; and kimrobinson HRF Smoother, which protects the hair against heat and styling, while also penetrating the hair to keep it smooth and frizz-free. And, of course, pins and hairspray.