Hair: Fashion and Fantasy

Laurent Philippon, a hairstylist and creative consultant for the hair care manufacturer Bumble and Bumble, presents the gamut of modern hairdos in this well-organized four-color album. Each chapter focuses on one style, ranging from the Mohawks of punk to the chignons of ballet as captured by fashion's top photogs, including Richard Avedon, Nan Goldin, and Mario Testino. Opening with "one of the oldest ways of styling hair," Philippon explores the classic braid with its many variations. Examples include the familiar faces of artist Frida Kahlo and Bo Derek in the movie "10," intermixed with photos of members of tribes from Tibet and Namibia. The more fanciful 'dos illustrate that "hair is the one part of our body that we can change whenever we want, without causing any permanent damage." Sandwiched between shots of Farrah Fawcett and Helena Christensen in nothing but a wig are pithy interviews with design darlings like Daphne Guinness and Dita von Teese, as well as hair guru Vidal Sassoon. Philippon celebrates the sculptural element of the female crowning glory with this fun perhaps even inspiring exploration of the history of hair. Fashionistas and hairstylists alike will flock to this book. 225 illus. (Dec.)