Gisele Bündchen for Harper’s Bazaar, October 2007

Hair By Sam McKnight at Somerset House

From Kate Moss to Naomi Campbell, Chanel to Vivienne Westwood, Vogue to Harper's Bazaar, there is one man at the cutting edge - literally! - of haute hair.

Somerset House’s mane attraction (geddit?) this winter is a major exhibition celebrating the remarkable 40-year career of legendary hairstylist Sam McKnight.

McKnight has created some of fashion’s most recognisable styles – think Princess Diana’s slicked back bob, Tilda Swinton channeling David Bowie and Kate Moss’ trademark tousled tresses.

He has created over 100 Vogue UK covers and over 190 Vogue covers internationally, and styled models and musicians ranging from Linda Evangelista to Cara Delevigne, Cate Blanchett to Uma Thurman, and Lady Gaga to Björk.

The show brings together pieces from McKnight’s personal archive alongside photography, magazines and behind-the-scenes footage, as well as specially commissioned wigs and hair-pieces.

Hair by Sam McKnight opens at Somerset House

“It’s an exhibition about hair itself, not about pictures of hair – I wanted it to feel alive”.
Sam McKnight

Tilda Swinton Sam McKnight

The result is not only an insight into McKnight’s extraordinary career, tracing his evolving work through a visual timeline, but putting it all into context within the aesthetics of each era to show how he influenced – and was influenced by – changing styles.

It’s also the first time Somerset House has held late-night opening on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, meaning you can view the exhibition until 8pm, wooo! Produced in partnership with The Outnet, the evenings will include programme of tours, talks, screenings, workshops and demonstrations.

You’ve got until March next year to catch the shear (#sorrynotsorry) genius of Sam McKnight at Somerset House.


Hair by Sam McKnight is at the Embankment Galleries, Somerset House, London WC2R 1LA, until 12 March 2017, tickets £12.50; somersethouse.org.uk

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