Alix Higgins x KEVIN.MURPHY x Shark Beauty x TWYG backstage report – May 12th, 2026
At China Heights Gallery in Surry Hills, Sydney-based designer, Alix Higgins unveiled An Opening Voluntary – a collection exploring ceremony, romanticism and controlled imperfection through layered textiles, reconstructed silhouettes and emotionally charged styling.
The look:
"An Opening Voluntary began as a phrase, something instinctively compelling, before discovering its meaning: a piece of organ music played at the start of a church service. That sense of ceremony, of considered beginnings, underpins the collection," said designer, Alix Higgins.
"I’ve always been drawn to the idea of an ‘opening’, something ceremonial but also emotional. This collection is about layering time, historical references, found garments, and reworked prints, and bringing them into a modern context that feels instinctive rather than perfect."
"Partnering with KEVIN.MURPHY as hair partner, and Shark Beauty as the hair tool partner, allowed us to translate that into hair, there’s a real sense of individuality in each look. Nothing feels overly set or uniform; it’s about enhancing the person, not creating a uniform character."
The hair:
"The hair inspiration draws from the iconic Gibson Girl, created by illustrator Charles Dana Gibson and widely featured in publications such as Life, Collier’s, and Harper’s Weekly," explained KEVIN.MURPHY Hair Director and Shark Beauty ambassador, Daniel Jianing Liu.
"She became a defining cultural image of feminine idealism at the turn of the century characterised by a cinched waist, sculpted silhouette, and a dramatic, high-coiffed bouffant."
"For Alix Higgins, this reference is reimagined rather than replicated. Known for his juxtaposition of refined silhouettes with unexpected, deconstructed elements such as recycled polo shirts transformed into skirts, the hair follows the same philosophy of controlled disruption."
"There is a sense that something is slightly “off” or interrupted within the beauty, creating tension between polish and imperfection, while still holding a romantic undertone."
"The traditional Gibson bouffant is deconstructed into a contemporary, directional interpretation with a subtle punk sensibility. Hair becomes less about historical recreation and more about attitude with elevated, sculpted forms disrupted by undone textures and unexpected placement."
"Each model carries a bespoke variation of this language; some looks fully pinned up, others worn down, or styled into irregular ponytails, creating a cast that feels intentionally non-uniform and expressive."
"KEVIN.MURPHY product is used to build both structure and softness. ANTI.GRAVITY.SPRAY and KILLER.WAVES form the foundation for shape, volume, and controlled texture, supporting extensive backcombing and sculptural moulding. The finish is deliberately undone and tactile, achieved through DOO.OVER, POWDER.PUFF, and EASY.RIDER, creating a matte, lived-in surface that feels fluid and airy rather than fixed."
"Hot tool styling is led by the new Shark Beauty Glam tool. The Silki Ceramic Straightener attachment is used unconventionally, not to flatten, but to pre-set movement and structure, functioning almost like a modern interpretation of a vintage hot roller set. It creates a soft memory in the hair before it is deconstructed. The same tool is also used to form effortless, irregular curls, reinforcing the tension between control and ease," said Jianing Liu.
The skin:
New Zealand biotechnology led skincare brand, TWYG also partnered with Alix Higgins for the show, with renowned makeup artist and skin director, Sean Brady leading beauty direction backstage.
Brady used TWYG for skin preparation across all models, creating the foundation for Higgin’s fresh and hydrated beauty look. Finishing off with rosy, luminous makeup paired with smoky eyes and a subtle punk sensibility.
"The Restorative Hydration Cream thoroughly massaged in was key in achieving healthy, hydrated and clean skin as the perfect base to let the designs and makeup sing," shared Brady.
The products:
Shark Glam Hot Tool Air Drying & Styling System ($699.99 at Shark Beauty).
KEVIN.MURPHY ANTI.GRAVITY.SPRAY ($51.95 at KEVIN.MURPHY)
KEVIN.MURPHY KILLER.WAVES ($56.95 at KEVIN.MURPHY)
KEVIN.MURPHY DOO.OVER ($53.95 at KEVIN.MURPHY)
KEVIN.MURPHY POWDER.PUFF ($51.95 at KEVIN.MURPHY)
KEVIN.MURPHY EASY.RIDER ($51.95 at KEVIN.MURPHY)
TWYG Revive & Brighten Antioxidant Facial Serum With 1.5% Bioactive Totarol ($140 at TWYG Skincare)
TWYG Restorative Hydration Cream With 3.5% Bioactive Totarol ($140 at TWYG Skincare)
TWYG Renewing Antioxidant Facial Oil With 3.0% Bioactive Totarol ($135 at TWYG Skincare)
You can find the full schedule for this year's AFC Australian Fashion Week presented by Shark Beauty, here.
For more backstage beauty and hair reports, click here.
Image credit: KEVIN.MURPHY and Shark Beauty
