FABRIC by Ben Martin

FABRIC by Ben Martin – Exploring Hair as a Material

Ben Martin redefines hairstyling with FABRIC, a bold and conceptual collection featured in The Hair Magazine (thehairmag.com). Inspired by the creative process of Alexander McQueen, this collection challenges traditional perceptions of hair, treating it as fabric rather than strands.

The concept emerged during Martin’s visit to the McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria. McQueen’s technique of attaching fabric swatches to sketches inspired Martin to approach hair as a material with its own movement, weight, and structure. Rather than crafting predesigned looks, Martin started with one form and allowed the creative process to evolve organically.

Playing on the FABRIC theme, the collection incorporates diverse textures, shapes, and colors to emulate the qualities of textiles. Epoxy techniques create gravity-defying structures with a silk-like sheen, while jagged cuts and rough placements mimic patchwork detailing. Martin’s styling, paired with raw denim, metallic accents, and tactile fabrics, enhances the concept’s depth.

Innovative molding techniques—including layering cut sections, applying glue, and using heat—further transform the hair into textile-inspired forms resembling linen, cotton, or plush materials. Even the post-production editing enhances the fabric-like feel, with grainy and papery effects adding texture to the visuals.

For McQueen, fashion was his medium of artistic expression; for Martin, it’s hair. FABRIC by Ben Martin is an exploration of movement, form, and transformation—where hair transcends its conventional role. Discover the full collection in The Hair Magazine at thehairmag.com.