Style Inspiration from the Red Carpet

Celebrity stylist Kevin Fortune talks about his favourite red carpet hairstyles and shares his predictions for spring/summer 2014

What are the most popular celebrity looks of the moment?

There has been a move away from the flowing ‘Goddess of Venus' waves to a renaissance of softer creations. As a session stylist I love tapping into my knowledge of key period techniques and invent styles with Marcel and Finger waves. I'm inspired by films and shows such as ‘The Great Gatsby', ‘Downton Abbey' and ‘Mad Men'. Clients want beautiful styles that wow their fans and captivate the international fashion and beauty press. Saying that, no-one wants to look as if they have just stepped out of a period drama. The trick is to draw from the best of those periods and create modern fresh interpretations. Mid-length to short styles are very en-vogue right now. It's always a brave move to go short(er), but these looks are delicate and feminine, so will inspire you to make your styles feel fresh and modern.



Which celebrity events do you tend to work on?

Over the last few years, some of the events I have been fortunate to work on are the Laurence Olivier, Elle Style, Glamour and British Fashion Awards, as well as the BAFTAs and many music-award shows; working with an array of people from presenters, award-nominees and recipients.The best part of my job on these special events is that I get to research and design fabulous creations, fully focusing all of my attention on one person, working towards those few minutes in front of their respected peers and the international press. Today, showing creativity with hair and make-up styling choices has become just as important as making a style-statement with fashion.

What is your favorite long hair red carpet look?

A clear favorite of mine is a one-length cut, styled with a centre-parting and a soft wave gently moving through the front. Think of Blake Lively or Cara Delevingne, with a healthy sheen to die for. Or why not have some fun by working an interesting plaited design into one side of the hair? Simply flip hair over to one side and put a deep wave through the other side. This look has been around for a while and is set to stay as a modern-classic. I create many looks for my client, Kelly Osbourne, based around this idea. It's part of a woman's natural mannerisms and sensuality to touch and play with her hair. I always want my clients to feel amazing, free and confident about the way they look on the red carpet.



Are there ways of creating red carpet looks with short hair styles?

Of course there are! At the moment I'm in love with the product BARBER'S CLASSIC, a high-shine styling pomade from Paul Mitchell's M MITCH range. I know - it's for men's hair, but the shine you get from this soft wax is fantastic and classic barbering styling techniques will become an even bigger trend for women in up-coming seasons. You could blow dry the hair straight - with a side parting - then slick the hair down, giving the finish a high-shine effect. Whether you think it'll work for you or not, there is something very refreshing and cleansing about chopping your hair short and starting all over again. Agyness Deyn rocks short hair and Charlize Theron looks amazing - let's not forget Jamie-Lee Curtis! She was one of the sexiest women around for decades and managed to adapted her short hair looks to suit the 70s 80s and 90s, yet never lost her sex-appeal.A great stand–out colour is also sure to turn heads on the red carpet. I have been working with Elly Jackson of La Roux for the past year, creating a new and exciting short look and vibrant colour with her. I can't wait for her new album to come out later this year and for everyone to see her new style.



What are the main hair predictions for Spring/Summer 2014?

I know it's time to get your heated rollers out. If you don't already own a set, then start practising using your curling tongs to barrel curl and set your whole head. There will be a revival of the 70's Donna Summers/Bianca Jagger-inspired looks. I would even go as far as saying the modern perm will make a big come back too, as I have been watching the natural Afro raise its beautiful full head once again and when that happens - as in the early 70s and the days of the 80s curly perm - every one chased the dream of BIG, voluminous hair. But remember to break-up the tonged curls to keep your looks stylish & modern.



Favourite ever celebrity hairstyle?

One of my all-time favorites is the hairstyle Grace Kelly became famous for, the swept-to-the side look with a pin curled water-wave working its way back on both sides, resting just above the neck line. Grace epitomized, as her name suggests, grace, class and the untouchable Hollywood glamour of the 1950s. She had the life style women of this era would dream of, she even fulfilled on the fairytale dream of marrying a prince from foreign shores. My admiration goes out to the hair stylist who created this particular style. Who would have predicted that this style would be copied around the world for decades to come. Kate Winslet showed off her beautiful re-incarnation of this classic on the red carpet of the 2009 Oscars. It's elegant, feminine and for me this look will always stand the test of time, on any red carpet again and again.



Which hair products do you enjoy working with?

I always start by prepping wet hair with products that will hydrate the hair such as Kerastase's Densifying Leave-in-Treatment. Then I usually use L'Oreal Professionnel Tecni.ART PLI as a heat protection through the mid lengths and ends. I also love the Sebastian Whipped Cream mousse for its gentle hold and ability for me to pull the brush through the hair whilst blow-drying. Finally I would seal off the cuticles with Label.m Argon oil/Age-Defying Radiance Oil, concentrating on the ends. My most recent discovery is Philp Kingsley's incredible range of products, the Elasticizer Extreme and Daily Damage Defence being the two staples I would highly recommend for people to try out.