Elsa Hosk embodies our favourite '90s heartthrobs with her latest cheekbone skimming chop. Somehow looking better than Leonardo DiCaprio in Romeo & Juliet, we spoke to the man behind the Swedish supermodel’s new transformation to get the details
Last summer, Swedish supermodel Elsa Hosk shook the beauty community to its core when she debuted a brand new chin-length cut. The major Haute Couture moment, which saw the former Vogue Scandinavia cover star twirling in a white ‘Bar’ jacket and matching ‘New Look’ skirt on the streets of Paris, effectively had us all dialling our hairdressers to follow suit.
Now, the model has rocked the hairstyle status quo once again, appearing on instagram in the latest campaign for her brand Helsa with a brand new look. “We wanted it to feel very '90s. We had this strong '90s woman in mind when we decided on the look,” says Panos Papandrianos, who wielded the scissors when Hosk went for the soft crop. “It is empowered, and a cut that doesn’t prevent her from looking very feminine.”
The cut itself is almost like a grown-out pixie cut. It is reminiscent of Drew Barrymore, Winona Ryder and Gwyneth Paltrow's short hair styles. But also a lot like the hair Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio wore in the '90s
Panos Papandrianos
Photo: Courtesy of Panos Papandrianos
Photo: Courtesy fo Panos Papandrianos
Photo: Panos Papandrianos
Posing in figure-hugging minimalistic designs, Hosk’s hair is swept up and back using grooming cream, forming a meticulously tousled faux-hawk. “The cut itself is almost like a grown-out pixie cut,” says Papandrianos. “It is reminiscent of Drew Barrymore, Winona Ryder and Gwyneth Paltrow's short hair styles. But also a lot like the hair Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio wore in the '90s.” Heartthrob hair, which somehow Hosk wore better than any of our cinema crushes during those rom-com heydays.
It is a style Papandrianos wants to see more of. “First of all, hair is about having fun,” he says emphatically. “I know many women are very attached to their long hair; it becomes part of their identity. But it is important to remember that it grows back. So why not play around with it?”
Photo: Courtesy of Panos Papandrianos
Dispelling the myth that short hair limits styling options, Papandrianos asserts, “There are countless ways to style short hair.” He advises considering your hair’s natural texture when opting for a shorter cut. “Always work with your hair type,” he urges. From there, the possibilities are endless. “You can leave it tousled, add some salt spray for texture, or slick it back with gel for a more severe look,” the stylist suggests.
While Papandrianos urges people to try a short cut, he emphasises that you will most likely end up visiting the salon more. “For the style we did on Elsa, you’d probably need to go back to the hairdresser for a trim every couple of months.” In short, we will have a standing monthly appointment with our hairdressers going forward.