In the captivating world of The Wheel of Time, every detail, no matter how minute, plays a pivotal role in storytelling. While the narrative unfolds through dialogues and actions, there’s an unsung element that subtly yet powerfully conveys the evolution of characters: their hair. Davina Lamont, the Hair and Makeup Supervisor for the much-anticipated Season 2 now streaming on Prime Video, delves deep into the intricate process of designing and evolving hairstyles that mirror the characters’ journeys.
The Art of Hair Storytelling
My admiration for the show’s unique hairstyles and outfits is palpable. It’s mind-blowing how these aspects reflect the characters’ physical and emotional journeys, offering keen-eyed viewers hints about where a character might be headed.
“I was paying a lot of attention to how you can tell where they are or where they’re going or what they just came from, you know, with their… hair. And I was wondering if you could talk a bit about the process of like having a hair, having a style, and then kind of like its journey throughout the season.”
-Davina Lamont, Hair & Makeup Supervisor-
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Crafting Character Arcs: Perrin’s Journey
Davina delved into the meticulous planning behind crafting a character’s hair journey, using Perrin as a prime example.
“I wanted to start him in season two with his hair being longer. So for me, having this look for him was really important… those that know where his arc goes and his journey will know probably where eventually he’s gonna head to.”
-Davina Lamont, Hair & Makeup Supervisor-
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The Mastery Behind the Magic
But the magic doesn’t stop at individual character arcs. With a vast repertoire of over 400 wigs, Davina’s department is a testament to the scale and complexity of the show’s production.
“I deal with a lot of wigs on the show, and I have a repertoire of over 400 wigs in my department… In the White Tower, you have the Aes Sedai that are more either avant-garde or the high fashion, and then when they come out of the White Tower, they go into more of a traveling look.”
-Davina Lamont, Hair & Makeup Supervisor-
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In The Wheel of Time, hair is more than just a style statement. It’s a narrative tool, meticulously crafted by experts like Davina Lamont, to enhance the storytelling experience. As characters evolve, so do their hairstyles, offering viewers an additional layer of depth and insight into their journeys.
Wheel of Time Season 2 is now streaming exclusively on Prime Video with new episodes every Friday.
About Wheel of Time
Release: Season 2 Premiere September 1, 2023
Developer: Rafe Judkins
Executive Producers: Rafe Judkins, Larry Mondragon, Rick Selvage, Ted Field, Mike Weber, Darren Lemke, Marigo Kehoe, Justine Juel Gillmer, Sanaa Hamri, Amanda Kate Shuman
Production: Amazon Studios, Sony Pictures Television
Distribution: Prime Video
Cast: Rosamund Pike, Daniel Henney, Josha Stradowski, Zoë Robins, Madeleine Madden, Marcus Rutherford, Dónal Finn, Ceara Coveney
Synopsis
Based on the best-selling Robert Jordan fantasy series The Wheel of Time, a humble farm boy, Rand al’Thor (Josha Stradowski, Gran Turismo), learns he is The Dragon Reborn—a dangerous figure from history destined to save the world … or break it. Desperate to protect him from the Dark One, an army of powerful sorceresses must reckon with his burgeoning power and encroaching madness.
The Wheel of Time turns, and the Last Battle approaches. Though Rand thought he destroyed the Dark One, evil is not gone from the world. In Season Two, threats new and very old seek out the young friends from the Two Rivers, now scattered over the world. The woman who found and guided them is now powerless to help, and so they must find other sources of strength. In each other, or themselves. In the Light … or the Dark.
Ever wondered about the stories hairstyles can tell in your favorite shows? How do you think hair and makeup add layers to a character’s journey? What other behind-the-scenes roles do you think play a pivotal part in storytelling? Let us know your thoughts on social media!
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