Latest news with #SharkBeauty
Refinery29
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Refinery29
Maria Thattil On Ancestral Roots & Showing Up In Culture
Maria Thattil 's relationship with her hair hasn't always been wrapped in confidence. For years, it was knotted with experimentation and the unspoken pressure to fit into beauty ideals. But these days, as she reflects on her beauty journey perched at Australian Fashion Week, she's no longer looking to blend in. She's building looks and a legacy, from the roots up. Her hair, as she describes it, is 'naturally a little bit wavy, a little bit textured.' But it's more than just a texture or aesthetic. It's an inheritance, one that ties her to mum, grandma and ancestors. Thattil proudly shares that she has 'the same long, dark, silky South Asian hair as them,' and that sense of connection has become central to her identity. Over the years, though, she's strayed from that hair, or rather, was nudged away by beauty ideals that didn't include her. "I've experimented a lot," she tells Refinery29. "And not always for the right reasons." Thattil previously opened up to us about how she dyed her hair to look less Indian in the past — like so many women of colour, her hair became a site of negotiation, something to lighten or tame in pursuit of belonging. ' It's been really nice over the years coming back to myself and being confident in that. ' Maria is an ambassador for Shark Beauty, the presenting partner of Australian Fashion Week 2025. The brand's tagline — 'For all hair kind'— is something she personally resonates with. It's more than branding. It's a reclamation. A refusal to shrink her identity to meet Eurocentric standards. And, in her words, it's deeply political. As a South Asian woman growing up in Australia, Maria remembers being teased for oiling her hair. "That's my earliest memory of hair care," she reflects. "My grandma did it to my mum, my mum would oil my hair. It's an act of love, but it's Ayurvedic." What once drew ridicule, the scent, the slickness, the visible difference, is now trending. But it stings when traditions passed down through generations become aesthetic currency only when worn by someone else. ' It only becomes cool when it's on someone else. What belongs to you is only celebrated when it's on other bodies. ' Maria is clear: she's not against appreciation, she's against erasure. "We don't want our culture repackaged and resold to us. It's just honouring that this is who we've always been." That distinction is particularly relevant during Fashion Week, where South Asian aesthetics are often borrowed but rarely credited. Maria notes the trend of wearing scarves styled like dupattas, traditional South Asian garments, without context. "People will take something from a culture and not honour the roots, and profit off it and exploit it and commodify it," she says. Still, there are moments of joy and reclamation. She points to the showgoers, the journalists, the creators who are turning up in 'jumkas and bangles and dupattas and saris,' wearing their culture loudly and proudly. 'We're going to show up and we're going to wear our culture with pride,' she says, and her voice lights up at the thought. Hair, for her, is often the starting point for that expression. "Hair is actually very often the base, where I then build these looks around it," she explains. Whether she's feeling grunge in a tee and baggy jacket or stepping out in couture, her hair is her anchor, an extension of how she feels that day. ' Fashion should be something that empowers you, not makes you blend in,' Maria says. She loves seeing the shift away from trends for trends' sake. For her, the real power lies in style as self-expression, in dressing and styling from the inside out. And while she might now have access to 'the best hair stylists' and tools, her off-duty vibe is more low-key. "Honestly, on my days off, I'm just a hair mask and plaits kind of girl," she laughs. 'It's a balance.' Maria is hopeful about the direction the fashion and beauty industries are moving, especially with how digital voices are forcing change. 'I think the biggest change I've seen is that brands are listening a lot to people when they call for diversity,' she explains. 'But we still have a long way to go.' That long way includes body diversity, age inclusion, and disability representation, not just in front of the camera, but backstage, in boardrooms, and on design teams. "Fashion really, truly is for everyone," she says. And that has to be reflected across every layer. Her partnership with Shark Beauty reflects that alignment. 'Their ethos is for all hair kind,' she says. 'It's about people embracing their hair in all its unique and diverse textures and forms. That sets a precedent.' For Thattil, reclaiming her hair kind isn't just about looking good, though that's very much on the cards. It's about honouring the rituals, resisting the repackaging, and choosing to show up fully in the world as she is. The girl who once got teased for oily plaits is now setting the standard for what hair, and pride, really look like. Roots and all.
Daily Mail
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Christian Wilkins shares the secrets behind his luscious hair, flawless skin and toned figure - and reveals what he REALLY thinks of people criticising his flamboyant wardrobe
Speaking to Christian Wilkins at Australian Fashion Week is like talking to Holly Golightly at Tiffany's or Carrie Bradshaw in a pair of Manolo Blahniks — it just makes sense. The fashion icon, 30, who effortlessly pushes the boundaries of style and gender-normative conventions in the world of fashion, sat down for an exclusive interview with Daily Mail Australia amid the chaos of Carriageworks — using his five-minute breather between shows to give us all the details on his beauty transformation. But just like Christian, his holy grails are a far cry from conventional but pack just as much punch as the colourful Aussie star himself. Tossing his hair in between questions after having it styled by Joey Scandizzo, it was no wonder we were brushed onto the topic of his luscious locks and how he not only styles his head of hair but cares for it. To achieve the perfect blowout, Christian swears by the Shark FlexStyle, which he uses 'all the time'. 'It's really rare that you get to work with brands that you genuinely love,' he said of the appliance company, praising their innovation in the sphere and on the scalp. And as for how he keeps his hair healthy, Christian narrows it down to one thing: Genetics. 'People ask me all the time what I do — and I do take supplements and collagen and stuff like that — but I think it's really genetics [and Shark beauty],' he says with a wink. But when it comes to skin, the actor and LGBTQIA+ activist is not leaving anything to chance, relying on a new Hollywood go-to to keep his face fresh and glowy. 'I have a really simple skincare routine. I use collagen peptides and then beef tallow,' Christian adds. 'In the States, it's huge at the moment. People are using beef tallow for their healthcare, for their skincare...' Tallow, a new viral skincare product, is a type of fat rendered from cow meat or mutton suet. And upon research, it can also be used to make candles, soaps and fabulous roast potatoes. However, Christian is simply using the product for its skincare benefits, he says, ditching the carbs in his diet for a pantry closer to home. The model leans on a Mediterranean menu to keep his body in shape, going back to his roots when he's filling up a plate. 'My mum is Greek and cooking healthy foods and proteins and vegetables was always what I grew up on,' he revealed. 'I was that kid that went to school with falafel and hummus and fresh zucchini.' And while Carrie swears by Vogue for dinner, so does Christian swear by another hunger-quenching dish - one that he could eat with every meal. 'I also really love porridge,' he confessed. 'I have it like three times a day.' It's no surprise Christian's physical splendour is down to a passion for fitness and a love of lifting weights, but perhaps what is more touching is the care and softness he feels towards his body as he ages, and his new outlook on life after turning 30. 'My body has changed quite a bit,' he shared. 'I used to find it very easy to be slender. 'Now, I'm putting on a bit more muscle and I'm liking coming into my new body and being really proud of that. 'I'm finding my own identity as I get older.' Expressing his identity is at the forefront of who Christian is, just look at his stacked resume, or Instagram page or any sartorial shindig in Sydney. From hosting podcast Radical Fashionism with Andy Kelly to playing with non-binary styles in the social sphere, Christian uses fashion to say things that can often be hard to put into words. But even when actions speak louder, words can still sting in the comments section, a feeling that Christian knows all too well. Speaking of his experience with trolls, Christian shared the overwhelming sadness he feels when seeing negative comments from strangers, not for himself, but for his community. 'Some of the messages make me sad, but less because they're attacking me and more because I see that this kind of hatred is out there,' he said. Adding that he was lucky to have family, friends and a network that have his back, Christian's decision to be out and proud of his identity was for the people who didn't have that support. 'I think that it's important to keep going out there and expressing yourself how you want to be,' he thoughtfully said. 'Someone that might not necessarily feel so secure can use you as an example.' And so, as Christian Wilkins flips his hair post-interview, moving on to inspire his community and the fashion sphere with every model-esque pout and pose, so do we snuggle into bed to watch greats like Holly and Carrie. For what better way to learn and love ourselves unapologetically than seeing the fashion icons do it first?
Daily Mail
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Glowing Carrie Bickmore, 44, looks incredibly youthful she stuns in a floral strapless top at the Aje show during Australian Fashion Week
Carrie Bickmore turned heads on Wednesday as she stepped out in style at the Aje show during Australian Fashion Week 2025. The beloved radio presenter, 44, was every inch the fashionista as she posed for photographers at Pier Pavilion in Barangaroo, Sydney. Carrie looked sensational in a strapless top adorned with dramatic frills designed to resemble a blooming flower. The intricate detailing gave the ensemble a soft, feminine touch while making a bold style statement. She paired the top with sleek black trousers and accessorised with a gold-coloured designer handbag. The Adelaide-born star completed her look with a stylish necklace and chunky gold clip-on earrings and that shimmered in the sun during her outdoor shoot. Her trademark blonde locks were styled pin-straight at the top and wavy at the bottom and tucked neatly behind her ears. With glowing, rosy makeup and a touch of blush, the former TV host looked youthful and radiant as she mingled with fellow fashion lovers at the star-studded event. Australian Fashion Week has officially kicked off in Sydney. The renowned show runs all week with top designers like Aje showcasing their latest collections to an audience of celebrities, influencers and fashion insiders. The runway is already buzzing with drama and daring silhouettes. Held from 12-16 May and presented by Shark Beauty, the annual fashion event is more than just a pretty catwalk. It's a week-long celebration of creativity, culture, and the next big things in fashion. Day one set the tone with a fearless embrace of skin, shine, and power suits. With cult names like Aje, Carla Zampatti, Romance Was Born, and Iordanes Spyridon Gogos gracing the calendar, alongside buzzy new names like BOTEH and Buluuy Mirrii, the event blends old guard meets next-gen.
7NEWS
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- 7NEWS
Hair tools so good they're headlining Fashion Week: Shark Beauty steals the show with sleek styles and celeb stylists
Australian Fashion Week is in full swing, and this year's surprise scene-stealer isn't just the fashion. It's the hair. Thanks to Shark Beauty, statement strands have taken centre stage, and honestly? We're obsessed. From 12–16 May, Shark Beauty has stepped up as the presenting partner of Australian Fashion Week 2025. But this isn't just another beauty sponsorship. This is an all-out hair celebration, complete with free styling sessions, celeb stylists and tools that deliver salon-worthy hair without the salon. The backstage buzz? Shark's styling squad is working directly with some of the country's biggest designers, Carla Zampatti, Aje, Alix Higgins, Bianca Spender and Mariam Seddiq. To bring each show's creative vision to life, one perfectly glossy blowout at a time. Armed with the Shark FlexStyle Air Styling and Drying System, on sale now for $349.99. and the Shark SpeedStyle RapidGloss Finisher and High-Velocity Dryer, on sale now for $199.99. They're making sure every model's hair hits the runway ready for a close-up. Creative Hair Director Madison Voloshin is leading the charge backstage, styling for Carla Zampatti and Aje, while other top hair names like Chris Hunter and Daniel Jianing Liu are adding their magic to the mix. The vibe? Effortless cool meets high-fashion polish. Free pop-up styling sessions But here's the best part: you don't need to score a coveted front-row seat to get in on the glam. From Tuesday, 13 May, Shark Beauty has opened the doors to their Shark Beauty Style Salon at Carriageworks. Yes, that means you can book a complimentary 30-minute hair appointment and walk out with the kind of hair usually reserved for magazine covers. Expect sleek blowouts, voluminous curls and expert advice on how to use Shark's cult tools on your own hair type. And if you're thinking, 'Yeah, but I've got tricky hair,' don't stress. Shark Beauty is all about inclusivity; they're proudly 'For All Hairkind,' so every texture, curl and wave is covered. With celebrity hairstylist Joey Scandizzo heading up the salon crew and Shark Beauty ambassador Maria Thattil making waves sleek (literally), it's clear this brand isn't just about hair, it's about confidence. Because nothing says power move like runway-ready hair at 9 am on a Wednesday. So, whether you're stalking street style looks on Instagram or heading to Carriageworks in Sydney (in real life), do yourself a favour: book the appointment, try the tools and join the hair revolution.
Sky News AU
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
'A very strong bond': Nicole Kidman's niece Lucia Hawley, 27, announces she is moving to London to be 'a little closer' to famous aunt
Nicole Kidman's niece Lucia Hawley is moving to London to pursue her journalism career - and to put less distance between herself and her famous family. The 27-year-old is the daughter of the Australian Oscar winner's only sister, Antonia Kidman and late businessman Angus Hawley. She will begin her new life in the United Kingdom's capital next month with her long-term partner Henry Poole. Hawley, who has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Sydney, hopes to land a sought-after role in the media. On Saturday, she joked she followed Antonia's journalism career because she had not inherited her world-famous aunt's acting talent. 'I wish I had that talent. I feel like that would have made things really great if I was an amazing actress, but unfortunately I have chosen a much, less lower paying profession," Hawley told the Daily Telegraph. The aspiring TV presenter was also excited to move closer to Nicole and her daughters, and Sunday Rose, 16, Faith Margaret, 14. "Being a little closer to my aunty and cousins is a real comfort... it's been nice to go over to Nashville and visit family. We have a very strong bond." Hawley recently celebrated Easter at Nicole's 10,925-square-foot Nashville residence. She will report for presenting partner Shark Beauty at Australian Fashion Week this week, capturing vox pop content with Shark Beauty guests, designers, and backstage stylists. The rising media personality was replaced by Bachelor star Bella Velaris as the 'face' of 7Bravo, where she interviewed celebrities on the red carpet as part of the channel's "Live From E!" segments, in February 2023. She has enjoyed a charmed rise through the competitive media landscape in Sydney after completing a coveted internship at Vogue Australia and then joining Nine Honey. Hawley is often on the other side of the red carpet attending high-profile events with her famous aunt, including Kidman's recent AFI Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony in Los Angeles. At the glitzy event, she rubbed shoulders with Meryl Streep, Reese Witherspoon, and Michelle Pfeiffer and posed for photos with Nicole.
