It’s doubtful there was ever any real danger of Alex Perry going all introvert on us. The man likes to bring it. But this (oh my!) is something else. Epic doesn’t cover it.
We’re in a soundstage at Fox Studios so big it would intimidate your average aircraft hangar. The security guys are easily the gnarliest of the week. And when the rev of a squadron of Parlux hairdryers crashes into a danced-up Blondie beat, I can tell you: it’s bloody loud.
I’d bet the M.A.C Cosmetics Morange lipstick I have been wearing all week you could see this hair and makeup production line on Google Earth. I got tired and quit long before I finished a final headcount, so don’t ask.
In the spirit of things, Perry called in the big stadium beauty names too: Napoleon Perdis is shaking twinkles on an exaggerated, starry night-black eye. It’s spectacular. But the hair is owning the room right now. Renya Xydis and the ghd-wielding A-team she’s imported from across her Sydney salons are blowing up hair of biblical proportions.
What’s the backstory? “The initial inspiration was an Arabian princess,” says Xydis. “It’s all big and back-combed up the front – we’re making a huge coiff that’s going to sit forward. Then the back is ghd ironed for some sleek, rich finish but it’s not straight – it’s got beautiful movement. It’s just going to stream…It’s going to fall on the side [over the girls’ shoulders] as they walk. “
I’m feeling the royal proportions bit, the pomp and puffed-out ceremonial vibe. But the Arabian angle? “Yeah, I sort of forgot that bit too. I just thought ‘princess’ and let it take over,” she grins. More, more, more!