Glass: A Collection by Benjamin Martin

Glass possesses the unique properties of transmitting, reflecting, and refracting light, which artists have long harnessed to create stunning visual effects.

By manipulating its transparency, colour, and texture, they can craft an ever-changing and captivating experience for viewers. Benjamin Martin‘s latest collection, “Glass,” explores these characteristics by applying them to hair. The result is six hair creations showcasing variable textures and amorphous shapes that create captivating optical illusions with light and hair.

The concept for this collection began with an innovative technique used in Martin’s striking green wings look from his award-winning 2023 AHFA collection, “Fabric.” Inspired by the high shine and strong hold achieved through this technique, Martin felt compelled to further explore its potential. This creative spark was reignited on a flight back from Sydney, following his victory as the AHFA Victorian Hairdresser of the Year 2023. The idea of blending hair with glass emerged, offering endless possibilities to push the boundaries of hair artistry.

This collection is a culmination of techniques and discoveries developed through trial and error. A significant source of inspiration came from an annual visit to the National Gallery of Victoria, where the “Triennial” exhibition sparked new ideas. Immersed in the creativity of art, paint, sculpture, and installations, Martin envisioned how these elements could be translated into the medium of hair.

To bring the glass theme to life, Benjamin Martin experimented extensively with the combination of hair and glass, employing several innovative techniques:

• Creating sheets of “glass” with embedded hair, then smashing them to achieve a fractured, broken glass effect.
• Crafting a ponytail that appeared to be formed using glass blowing, by moulding and manipulating a product that mimicked the shine and transparency of glass.
• Developing the illusion of coloured swirls in glass, similar to a “Cat’s Eye” marble, by swirling hair in a way that maintained form and shine.
• Using glass balls on hair to replicate the appearance of raindrops on a glass window, requiring methods to stiffen hair to support the weight of real glass beads.
• Encapsulating a head within a glass orb, giving the impression of floating and swirling hair, inspired by vase-making techniques and involving significant trial and error.
• Creating masks and orbs with the transparency of glass, infused with hair, incorporating vase-making knowledge and delicate jewellery-making tools.

This collection represents an evolution in Martin’s capabilities, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in hair styling. It merges hair, art, and sculpture in a unique and experimental manner, showcasing continuous growth and innovation in his work.

The aim is for viewers to experience a sense of awe and wonder, questioning how these looks were achieved while appreciating the authenticity and artistry. The collection is designed to provoke thought and inspire, leaving the techniques a mystery to maintain the allure and magic of the creations.

Credits
Hair: Benjamin Martin
Photo: @lianehurvitz_photographer
Stylist: @simfarrugia
Makeup: @janjanwuwu
Muse: @sydney.j.j
Hair Assistant: @hair_dennis
Post: @peterorlik_studio