New York City: The shag haircut has surged in popularity, showcasing its enduring appeal across major fashion events. This article explores its evolution, notable styling during runway shows, and the cultural significance behind this versatile haircut, embraced by both past and present icons.
In recent weeks, the shag haircut has surged in popularity, particularly in urban fashion hubs such as New York City. The style, characterised by its feathery layers and effortless vibe, has become a focal point during several major fashion events, showcasing its adaptability and timeless appeal.
Lizzy Weinberg, a stylist at HairThrone located in the Lower East Side, has been at the centre of this revival. Before visiting her salon, the author of the piece had never experienced a proper shag cut, despite frequently alternating between long hair and a bob. The transition to a shag cut represents a significant change, aligning with the city’s culture of radical transformations and self-expression through hair.
Shag hairstyles made notable appearances during high-profile fashion shows. At Louis Vuitton’s spring show, models sported short locks layered on top of shoulder-grazing curls, presenting a modern take on the vintage style. Conversely, Stella McCartney showcased shags that were shorter and more angled, forming a nearly diamond shape tapering at the nape. Loewe featured shaggy bangs that framed the face dramatically, while Miu Miu’s models exhibited styles with bangs that appeared blown askew, adding an air of casualness to the look. Bottega Veneta took a more avant-garde approach, presenting models adorned with wigs made from strands of leather.
The shag’s enduring allure can be traced back to its roots in the 1970s, significantly popularised by Jane Fonda’s portrayal of a sex worker in the 1971 thriller Klute. Fonda’s appearance in the film captured the rugged beauty of the shag, with hair that moved dynamically and caught light beautifully. Interestingly, Fonda had embraced a shag cut prior to filming, after a transformative visit to the East Village stylist Paul McGregor, a figure who is often credited with influencing hair trends of the time.
Since its inception, the shag has been embraced by various iconic figures, from rock legends like Stevie Nicks and Mick Jagger to modern favourites like Zendaya and Natasha Lyonne. Its versatility has allowed it to evolve through the decades, cementing its status as a perennial case of stylish reinvention, reflective of both the historical context and contemporary fashion sensibilities.
Source: Noah Wire Services
