After watching the new documentary Martin Margiela: In His Own Words, Tasos Constantinou was inspired to explore Margiela’s themes of deconstruction and creation. The Cyprus-born moved to London four years ago to take a diploma course at the Sassoon Academy. Ever since completing the course he has been working as a freelance hairdresser and session stylist, catering to both private clients as well as editorial work and fashion shows. 

To keep busy during lockdown and to channel his most recent bolt of inspiration, Tasos went to work on a range of old wigs that were past their prime and gave them a makeover. “I wanted to come up with an idea and make use of what I already have at home. I upcycled wigs that I had previously styled for other jobs and gave them a new life. I taped a black cutting gown on my wall to use it as a backdrop and played with the lights to create the mood I wanted.”

Instead of merely restyling some old wigs, Tasos cuts up and takes apart the wigs and reconstructs the pieces into new creations that feel high-end and demand admiration. “I’m exploring the beauty of cheap, mostly synthetic wigs, by turning them inside out and joining parts of different pieces, materials and textures together, and cutting and styling them in a way you get to appreciate the skeleton or foundation underneath.” With this quarantine project he aims to create a feeling that has no fixed meaning, but rather allows room for more inspiration and creativity to be cultivated.

During this time, Tasos finds comfort in reevaluating what is truly important to him and making time for things such as practicing on his doll head, doing research, finding inspiration in books and films, discovering new music and practicing yoga. Nevertheless the absence of his regular every day life is tangible. “I miss the social aspects of my job, really. I miss being on set with a group of creative people, all of us working together to bring an idea to life.” But in terms of job opportunities in a post-lockdown world, Tasos feels optimistic about hairdressers being busy. “I hope that everyone will be ready mentally and physically to go back to work with a high creative spirit, and ready to bring a new ray of light into the industry. We will be facing a new reality and what we do with it is in our hands.”