Ignacio Ortega - Elizabethan Futurism

These images are taken from Junes edition of ZINK magazine and created by hair stylist Ignacio Ortega. These images demonstrate an example of a futuristic taken on modern Elizabethan hair design that feature key techniques such as plaits, padding and curls. Ortega's designs also feature the use of modern takes on Elizabethan textile pieces such as ruffs.

Zink Magazine, June 13th 2014
http://www.zinkmagazine.com/the-profile/

This first image has a heavy Elizabethan feel through the use of costume and hair design however by alternating the shape of the hair to reflect something of a mohawk and use of studs to garnish the look it maintains a modern/futuristic twist. This styling is also an example of how padding can be used to create symmetrical shapes, within the Elizabethan period is was popular for padding to be used to create both circular and heart shaped designs however by changing the shapes used the designs of the era can be brought into a contemporary interpretation. This image is very reminiscent of a Vivienne Westwood punk inspired look through the use of a mohawk but through the choice of shape, plaits and colour the images is destructively Elizabethan in reference. By creating a structured plait over the top of the hair piece it adds that extra element of decoration that would have been done within the period through the use of ribbons, pearls and curls; however by creating a single freestanding braid over the top of the hair rolls it adds an alien element. The comparison between Elizabethan hair and that of futuristic science fiction design is very similar with the use of high rounded shaping being rather similar to that of alien skulls from modern films such as Alien (1979). 

This second image is less Elizabethan and far more nearer a contemporary look however it does possess elements that could be interpreted as historical. For example the sides of the hair are decorated with small french braids and act as a securing point for the rest of the hair, much like the decorative use for plaits in 16th century hair design. Upon closer examination it is also visible that the root of the hair that is curled at the back of the head is also crimped into shape and then shaped into large smooth curls, these are another two features of the Elizabethan period. Finally the colour of the hair itself is a deep red which is a modern take on the beauty conventions of strawberry blonde locks, the deeper colour emphasises that sense of development through time as colours naturally darken. Within the image there are other signifiers of the images link to 16th century beauty conventions, this is visible also through the pale skin and rouge lip, by featuring pale white skin in coalition with the red hair and lip the overall styling of the look is immediately reminiscent of the Renaissance beauty seen within 16th century paintings, through additional links the intended era reference to a hair style becomes more apparent. Overall presentation and design is as important as the final hair itself therefore although the hairstyle is not immediately visible as an Elizabethan design by examining elements of the style more closely the connection to that of the Elizabethan period is more visible.