Lucie Minty
Specialist Practice
Celebrity Inspiration
To gain contemporary inspiration for my witch character I looked at some quirky celebrities who have a individual and memorable style which has a slight dark witch feel. I think that their hair is the main feature which gives them the most character and adds to their memorable appearance.
I started by looking at the singer Amy Winehouse after the release of the documentary about her released in July 2015. She was renowned for her voice and unique appearance with her signature hair style and black eye makeup. Her look is very iconic due to the individuality of it which is something I would like my character design to be. Her hair and makeup has a contemporary witch feel to it due to the darkness and messy unperfected style. The long jet black hair with the high bouffant, curled ends and side fringe is such a individual hair style instantly associated with Amy.
I really like how the hair has hight and a lot of length. It looks messy and effortless but not out of control which is important.
I then looked at singer Lorde. I instantly recognise Lorde because of her hair and individual style. I really like how Lorde's style can be seen as dark and messy with her indie style, crazy curly hair, pale skin and sometimes dark makeup yet her appearance is still pure and innocent looking. In my opinion her out of control hair is what gives her appearance a witch like feel.
From my research many different texts stated that witches were often young and beautiful looking and because of that was commonly the reason they were suspected of witchcraft. I feel like Lorde’s appearance is a good balance: Her pale skin and attractive appearance makes her look beautiful, young and innocent and then contrasted with her dark, thick textured hair and choice of makeup adds character and a haunting, bewitched look.
Lisa Bonet is a famous actress who also has a unique appearance and style. Her hair is a key aspect of her look and is an important feature within her appearance. Her black textured wild hair, dark style and common look of smudged un precise makeup has a nostalgic haunting look.
I love the hair styles in both images, to the left is Lisa when she was younger. I love the texture of her hair and the thickness and volume it has. I could re create this look using hot rods or a small curling wand. To the right is a much more recent image, her hair in now dreaded which I really like and think is effective. It really adds character to her and makes her look more unique and bewitching.
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The dreadlocks in her hair could related to my witchcraft research in the aspect that witches were suspected of hiding things within their hair and dreadlocks are matted hair all around together where the inside isn't visible. Research of witch’s lend me to the image of them being innocent and misjudged through how they were falsely accused and they were very rural and pure with the strings, rags, wax, hair and bones they would use for many different things including tools and spell. I feel the dreadlocks on Lisa Bonet really reflect this as they look im perfect and natural. Dreadlocks are naturally created through the hair not being washed or brushed, so feel they relate to the minimalistic, natural rural traits of witches. I would like to research further into dreadlocks and possibly look at incorporating them into my wig.