Los Angeles, CA, January, 2012–Hair Designer Kerry Warn used John Freida products to create the signature looks for the cast and hundreds of extras for Baz Lurhmann’s highly anticipated big screen adaption of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby. The uniquely imaginative, Oscar nominated filmmaker (Moulin Rouge) will create his own distinctive visual interpretation of the classic story, bringing the period to life in a way that has never been seen before, in a film starring Leonardo DiCaprio in the title role.
Working with Luhrmann, as well as Catherine Martin, the two-time Academy Award-winning production and costume designer (Moulin Rouge), Warn designed hairstyles for the film inspired by the looks of the Jazz Age but with a contemporary twist. “The ’20’s have been done so beautifully in so many films” says the hair designer, whose credits include such films as Nine, Australia, The Golden Compass and the forthcoming Grace of Monaco. “After discussions we decided to keep a modern twist, that we’d do our own interpretation of the ’20’s.” This interpretation of Baz Luhrmann‘s was based in research and references from the period and direct descriptions from the novel but has incorporated a modern-day aesthetic.
For the female cast, including Carey Mulligan, who stars as Daisy Buchanan, Warn updated the classic bob, which was the defining look of the era. Warn gave Mulligan’s fringe a softness, updating it from the maor familiar 1920’s Louise Brooks fringe. But for the party scene, Warn and his team of hairstylists were required to style up to 300 female extras. Many of whom had long hair which was then styled into finger waves, with the help of John Frieda Frizz-ease Curl Controller Corrective Styling Gel. “the girls could dance-and they were brilliant dancers-even do cartwheels, and their hair wasn’t going anywhere.”
One of the additional challenges Warn faced was desigining styless that would hold up i 3D. “With 3D you have to be careful about stray hairs”. What got him through the 3D experience? ” I was able to control the look with John Frieda Frizz Ease Moisture Barrier Hairspray. It was a really good standby!”
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