A dramatic heroine from Detra Smith's "Bridgerton"-inspired photo collection.
Photo courtesy of
Kory Easterday
The romance of Bridgerton inspired this airy wig.
Photo courtesy of
Kory Easterday
Giving off a bit of a Featherington vibe.
Photo courtesy of
Kory Easterday
It was easy to be swept up in "Bridgerton" mania, especially during some grey, gloomy pandemic days. The popular Netflix series debuted in December 2020. Based on books by Julia Quinn, the scene is set in Regency England (1811-1820, approximately) among the fashionable set of London society or the "ton."
The look and feel of the series, particularly the actresses, floating through ballrooms in satin gowns, their intricate upstyles enhanced with a carefully placed feather or scattered pearls, inspired industry artist Detra Smith to create these lovely images.
Smith has designed many other photo shoots, following her interests and instincts. "I enjoy the creative process," she says. "The preparation and practice are like therapy when I need a break from everyday life. Seeing the plans come to life during the shoot is exhilarating."
Wigs Fit for a Queen
If you're familiar with the "Bridgerton" series, one character, in particular, is known for her towering wigs and billowing gowns--Her Royal Over-the-Topness, Queen Charlotte.
Putting her own spin on these extravagant coiffeurs, Smith's wigs are softer, colored in confectionary shades, and styled with romantic curls and varying textures.
"These are straight synthetic wigs that can withstand low temperature heat appliances," she explains. "I spliced two colors together for each look. I used wefts from the remaining wig pieces to add shapes and textures."
Her model strikes a pose against faux backgrounds of a spring garden, a stately home, and elegant drawing room.
Smith regularly draws from different periods for her work. In a previous shoot, her model is set against a dark background, with light flooding the face and highlighting the hair. The feel is reminiscent of painting by Old Masters like Caravaggio.
"I love the aristocratic wigs and costumes of the Regency Era," Smith shares. "I also look at hair from the Renaissance and Victorian eras. Some of America's Revolutionary wigs inspire me, too. Styling wigs for period dramas would be my dream job!"
CREDITS
Beautiful Bridgerton
Hair: Detra Smith
Makeup: Matt Goodlett
Photographer: Kory Easterday
Tools:
- Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Flat Iron OG CarboSilk Combs
- OG Fingerbrush
- OG Divine Care & Style Brush
Products:
- Matrix Vavoom Freezing Spray
- Biolage Thermal Active Setting Spray
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