Netflix’s Bridgerton is a bona fide television phenomenon, and the hair on set adds to the glamour, regality and classic aesthetic that builds the Bridgerton world.
We spoke to Marc Pilcher, HASK Ambassador and Hollywood hairstylist who was nominated at the 2021 Emmy Awards for his work on the show, about the hair looks on the show. Marc was nominated for the episode ‘The Art of the Swoon’, which included an array of balls and special events.
“I’m proud of all the hair, in this episode, particularly Queen Charlotte’s Beyoncé inspired Gainsborough Fro… there was so much variation of work in this episode,” Marc said.
Read on for his additional insights on working on the show of 2020.
INSYLE: What is like being part of a TV phenomenon like Bridgerton?
Marc Pilcher: Being part of Bridgerton has been amazing and crazy, we never expected it to be such a huge success, it’s been a bit of a whirlwind to be honest. We’ve had such complimentary feedback to the hair and makeup looks, it’s been very rewarding to know my team’s hard work hasn’t been in vain.
IN: What was your aesthetic brief?
MP: There wasn’t really a major brief to be honest, Ellen the costume designer had been to the Dior exhibition at the V&A and was using influences from this, in the frocks. So, they had a high fashion brief, but I just drew from my own knowledge of period and old movies to complement Ellen’s designs, she’s amazing so it wasn’t hard work.
IN: What were your favourite looks to create?
MP: My favourite looks to create were, of course, Queen Charlotte, when I researched her and found she was of African descent I wanted to celebrate this with her wigs, so I began using the silhouettes of powdered wigs from this period and earlier but adding locks, textured hair, braids and of course, my giant Beyoncé Fro. I also loved creating looks for the Cressida Cowper character, with her sky scraping basket weaves, hair bows and flowers, this was so much fun to design. And not forgetting Daphne, our heroine, as simple as her looks were, they also took a lot of time, as she was in almost every scene, so I had to create a style that worked all over for her given she had one hundred and twenty odd dresses.
IN: How do these looks inform any more current or modern trends?
MP: I don’t know how much we might have influenced current modern trends, but I think we introduced the natural look to the ladies who watched. The Bridgerton makeup looks were all about the skin, showing off a youthful complexion with a dewy glow, and natural flush, there is nothing better. And I dare say there will be a few Grecian style Bridgerton hairstyles, walking down the wedding aisles this summer.
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