The interesting thing about session stylists is that while you can perhaps talk of a signature way of working, you’ll not find them taking the same look from one show to show. The art the great sessionistas, is in working to the designers brief to add creativity rather than overtake it. Anna Cofone is one such hairdresser.
Showtime
Having learned by working alongside the likes of Eugene Souleiman and Sam McKnight. Anna has more than enough tools in her skill set to bring something new to every catwalk. London Fashion Week SS26 was no exception. She was hair lead for several shows in her role as Global Creative Advocate for Authentic Beauty Concept. Here’s a key summary for each of the hair looks: Sculptural gloss inspired by modernist art for Roksanda; distorted waves reflecting dreamlike imperfection for Erdem; and symbiotic textures that fused nature with futuristic innovation for Susan Fang.
Roksanda
Celebrating 20 years of Roksanda’s designs, the hair acted as a gleaming, liquid frame for the designer’s bold, sculptural clothes. Inspired by sculptor Barbara Hepworth, Rokasanda brought curves, abstract shapes and dynamic lines to the SS26 looks. Slicked back-buns, glossy lengths, and pixie partings shone under the lights.
Anna says: “We wanted the hair to reflect Roksanda’s exploration of form – high gloss shapes with curves and graphic lines that felt both modern and timeless.”
Key products included: Authentic Beauty Concept’s Hydrate Spray Conditioner or Glow Spray Serum to prep, and Cosmic Blow-Dry Jelly for styling.
(Roksanda photography by: Thomas Morgan)
Erdem
A dreamlike quality for the show was inspired by artist Helen Smith and took reference from the retro film Picnic at Hanging Rock. Hair was tousled, lived-in, with kinks for texture and undone elegance, as if a night of partying took its toll.
Anna says: “The hair for Erdem was about capturing imperfection in the most beautiful way – irregular textures, soft distortions and undone details that feel authentic, lived-in, and effortlessly chic. It’s the poetry of real life woven into high fashion.”
Favourite Authentic Beauty Concept products used were: Nymph Salt Spray on the roots, and Flawless Primer throughout the mid-lengths and ends. With Airy Texture Spray and Pliable Paste to finish where needed.
(Erdem photography by: Thomas Morgan)
Susan Fang
Here the designer explored a symbiotic relationship between nature and human innovation. With organic and sculptural elements, there was a blend of real textures layered with directional forms. Deep side-partings swept the face, and floating loops adding lightness and dimension.
Set in the year 5202, the show imagined a world carried forward thousands of years into the future – the models’ hair intentionally messy and textured, as if altered by the distortions of time travel.
Anna says: “We wanted to keep the textures authentic while shaping the hair into directional, almost sculptural forms that felt weightless, as if they were suspended in air.”
To hand for creating these looks, Authentic Beauty Concept’s booty of stylers! Including specifically…
Prep: Authentic Beauty Concept’s Hydrate Spray Conditioner, Nymph Salt Spray, or Flawless Primer. Styling: Authentic Beauty Concept Glow Spray Serum. Finish: Authentic Beauty Concept Airy Texture Spray, or Nude Powder Spray, Hand & Hair Light Cream or Concept Pliable Paste
(Susan Fang photography by: Joss Wild)
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Session styling is such a skill. Find out more about Anna Cofone and opportunities to learn with her HERE
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