Talking to a hair expert: Luana Coscia

Talented teams from New Zealand's top hair salons start working with designers months in advance of NZFW each year, creating mood boards and finding references to help complete their vision on the runway. Australian super stylist Luana Coscia (pictured, left) will be heading over this year to lead the FUDGE team, who will be creating the hair for Jimmy D's welcome return to the runway. I had a quick chat to her about her life, her hair loves, and what we'll be seeing happening backstage this year.

How long have you been in the business of hair?
I think around 15 years now...

When did you first start working with FUDGE?
It must have been about four years ago, I think.

What drew you to the brand?
Fudge has such an outstanding reputation within the industry and their products are sensational to use, young, fun and wearable.

Are you the sole creative director for the shows you work on, or do you share it around?
I love taking on a sole Creative director role, but I also love having the opportunity to collaborate with other creative, like minded stylists on larger, more complex shows.

What shows have you worked on recently?
Romance was born, Gail Soronda, Ksubi, Fleur Wood, Camilla and Marc, Jessie Hill, Bassike, Antipodium, and Melbourne fashion Festival, to name but a few.

Did you have a favourite look?
I love hair that is sexy, hair that oozes femininity, whether subtle or bold, that’s beautiful but with a twist.

How many will be working at NZFW for the Fudge team?
10–15 people, but we are still finalising the brief. Generally, depending on the amount of models we will be using, the more hands on deck the better.

At NZFW you’re working on the Jimmy D show – do you know much about the designer?
I haven’t met James in person yet, but from his work I’ve seen in both editorial and on the catwalk I think he is a brilliant designer. And most importantly, I personally would wear the Jimmy D label.

What are some hair trends coming in from overseas that you think you’ll start seeing pop up on the runway this season?
Lots of braids, done in all sorts of ways, and a lot of texture, not to much clean polished, finished hair

Is hair still as “easy” as it has been over the last year, and as wearable?
I think more so… I have been doing a lot more Balayage and the grown out, regrowth look. And it is much easier and needs much less maintenance.

Do women take the lead from the catwalk more these days when they come in and see you, as opposed to just bringing in tear sheets of celebrities?
YES definitely, I’m getting clients that bring pics of models like Kate Moss all the time.

Are looks getting easier to recreate at home with the right products? It seems that are lot are coming out now with that in mind…
Yes products are making it a lot easier – like Fudge’s salt spray - to give that touseled hair look that is very popular right now.

What products do you find yourself working with more and more, both in salon and backstage at shows and shoots?
FUDGE Root Juice, Salt spray and Membrane Gas.

And last up, your desert island, must have product for backstage this NZFW?
FUDGE Membrane Gas: it’s great for drying in and giving texture, plus it’s great for finishing. A two in one product.