Charlie Le Mindu has done it yet again with an outstanding and provocative SS12 catwalk show at the new On|Off venue in Paris. Inspired by Arabia and the film ‘Dance of the 7 Veils’, he explored the themes of ‘concealment, exposure and empowerment’ in a striking and captivating runway show, which featured the stunning Rossy de Palma as lead model.

The SS12 collection, entitled ‘Burka Curfew,’ was a powerful and symbolic depiction of female power with voluptuously seductive shapes which modernized the traditional Middle Eastern silhouette.

Jet black hair, vast crown hair pieces, translucent black veils, dark blood red lips and smoky, black Kohl eyes helped create the iconic ‘Queen of the Night’ and Cleopatra looks which dominated the collection. Fashion hair pieces were created using the highest quality natural human hair extensions, in a palette of midnight blue and black. A nude model appeared with a winding Swarovski crystal black snake creeping up from her lower stomach towards her heart, a bold and striking image.

Flowing chiffon and natural hair pieces were toughened up with a mix of patent leather, Perspex and braids. Traditional Arabian embellishment was modernized through cobra-skin patterned textures of Minx nails and Swarovski Crystal elements. Menswear introduced multi-layers of chiffon fabrics, which was combined with more structured panels of leather.

It was difficult to imagine how Charlie could have upstaged his shocking and gruesome AW11 catwalk show last season, but the show was a spectacular debut for the new On|Off catwalk venue in Paris and it definitely did not disappoint!

Separately, Charlie is excited to announce that he is soon to join the Urban Retreat at Harrods in London as Avant-Garde Hair Director. Charlie Le Mindu began hairdressing at the age of 13, but has spent the last ten years developing his classic techniques into the art of Haute Coiffure.