L’Oreal – Matrix Australia Destination (MAD)

In April 2010, L’Oreal played host to a bevy of local and international talent, with over 500 salon professionals heading to Melbourne for the Matrix Australia Destination. MAD, as it is commonly referred to, is an educational event that was held over three days to celebrate the creativity involved in hair.

To celebrate the event, there was a MAD Hatter Tea Party Gala Dinner held in the main ballroom of The Sebel Albert Park Hotel. The grand event provided the leading international hairdressers, Errol Douglas and Jo Jordan, both of the UK, along with American Nicholas French, to showcase their extreme talent in Avant Garde hair.

Karen Willis Holmes gowns were worn on the runway, including the ‘Petal Skirt’, the ‘Maddison’ couture gown, and also the couture ‘Pleated Ruffle Skirt’. We also saw the ready to wear ‘Margot’ skirt, the couture ‘Francesca’ gown in silver, and the couture ‘Ava’ gown rocked by the models with their amazing hair. Two of our beautiful, couture, soft tulle pieces were also included in the parades in the form of the ‘Tulle ‘Jumper’’ and also the ‘Satine’ tulle coat’, taking the pieces to a world beyond bridal. Once again there has been an element of   gothic glamour brought into these looks, and with the dramatic hairstyles the finished product is simply fantastic. While we aren’t sure that many brides would choose to sport the Avant Garde hairstyles on their wedding day, we love some of the ideas shown for how to take the wholesome element away from the gowns and add some rock chic – food for thought for the bride wanting to do something different!

Karen Willis Holmes ‘Petal Skirt’ – left

Karen Willis Holmes ‘Maddison’ gown – second from the right

Karen Willis Holmes ‘Pleated Ruffle Skirt’

Karen Willis Holmes ‘Tulle Jumper’ (worn under corset) and ‘Margot Skirt’

Karen Willis Holmes ‘Francesca’ gown in silver

Karen Willis Holmes ‘Satine Tulle Coat’

Karen Willis Holmes ‘Ava’ gown

Thanks to Six Photography for the images