Melanie Riley
TALENTED senior hair stylist Kim McKinnon has recently returned home from Sydney after taking part in Australian Fashion Week.
Ms McKinnon has been in the industry for over a decade, and attended Australian Fashion Week with haircare brand Original & Mineral (O&M) in 2022 and was excited to be able to showcase her skills again.
“It was a great opportunity to work alongside some of the best hairstylists and hairdressers in the industry,” she said.
“I’m very passionate about hairstyling so I was super excited when I found out I would be attending Fashion week.
“The high-pressure environment definitely isn’t for everyone, but I love a good challenge.”
Ms McKinnon was a part of three shows as part of the event – Bec & Bridge, Alix Higgins and BLANCA, and preparation time for each show varied.
“A few days before I was sent a video of one of the styles, I was able to practise on a mannequin,” she said.
“The other two shows I had no idea on the styles until I arrived at the show – thankfully they were quite simple.”
She said there were multiple highlights of the experience, from show locations with a view, to meeting her industry idol.
“One of the fashion shows was overlooking the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge so to do hair at that location was a highlight,” she said.
“I was incredibly fortunate to have crossed paths with Natalie Anne, a hairdresser whom I’ve admired and followed throughout most of my career.
“I was asked to return the following day and assist her which was such an honour.”
Ms McKinnon found the event to not only be a valuable opportunity to display her skills, but also a platform to further hone and refine them.
“It is so important to commit to ongoing education and upskilling so the opportunity to network, gain knowledge and work alongside some of the best hairdressers in the country was priceless,” she said.
“I was so happy I put myself out there and will continue to so I can grow as a hairdresser and provide the best experience for my clients.”
After a week of early starts and late nights, Ms McKinnon reflected on her experience at Australian Fashion Week and expressed her gratitude.
“Thank you to O&M for an amazing opportunity and I hope to be a part of many more Australian Fashion Weeks to come,” she said.
“I’m happy to be home, but I’m feeling very inspired and grateful for the experience.”
To check out more on Kim’s experience at Fashion Week, head over to Instagram and check out @originalmineral and @kimmckinnonhairstylist.
