The Wig Man – Sam McKnight

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Sam McKnight in a variety of wigs
Sam McKnight in a variety of wigs

“These pictures just came about while waiting for make-up to be done, models to arrive or set rearranging. A few spare minutes and a selection of wigs is an explosive combination,” explains Sam McKnight...

“These pictures just came about while waiting for make-up to be done, models to arrive or set rearranging. A few spare minutes and a selection of wigs is an explosive combination,” explains Sam McKnight on his recent assortment of Instagram ‘selfies’ in a selection of wigs. “I didn’t do wigs at the shows this season, but I did create a coloured bobbed extravaganza at the last Chanel cruise show in Versailles. I also styled a great Marilyn on Chinese model Xiao Wen in Karl Lagerfeld's new edition of the Little Black Jacket Book.” This season, Sam McKnight has created fur-topped pleats and mohawks at Fendi, grunge up-dos at Moschino and bewjewelled dreadlock extensions at Chanel, inspired by Sadhu holy men and Rajasthani princesses. Here, he speaks to AnOther about Instagram and his favourite wigs.

"A few spare minutes and a selection of wigs is an explosive combination,” — Sam McKnight

What was the idea behind the wig pictures?
I have every kind of conceivable colour and style, some of which I try on myself before finishing on the model. I have many pictures of me from over the years in various disguises backstage at shoots. Instagram just wasn't invented then! I got a little carried away with the recent postings and a friend put them together in the poster. I was getting such good responses, so I kept doing them.

What is the best wig you have seen?
The best wig ever was a couple of years ago at The Wig Party in London.

What inspires you?
Inspiration come from everywhere. Old movies and stills, my garden, real people, paintings. Plundering the past and dragging it into the future.

What is the best picture you have seen on Instagram lately?
I love Nick Knight, Michel Gaubert, but the funniest recently has to be Cara's fisting T-shirt pic.

Follow Sam McKnight on Instagram at @sammcknight1.