FYI.

This story is over 5 years old.

Entertainment

Live Rich on a Dime with These Extravagant Paper Wigs

Russian paper artist Asya Kozina reimagines historical hairstyles from the era of 'more is more.'
All photos courtesy the artist

Saint Petersburg artist Asya Kozina makes paper wigs that pin together extravagance and simplicity. Crafted of nothing but paper and cardboard, they reimagine Baroque-era decadence in monochrome. Several years ago, after exhibiting miniature paper sculptures and noticing that viewers constantly wished to touch them—as though to confirm they were indeed made of paper—Kozina decided to make something people could pick up, handle, and wear. After completing and exhibiting a first set of wigs and dresses in 2012, she has continued to push herself and explore new motifs, from Mongolian wedding fashions to the Baroque wonders you see here.

Advertisement

After working on fairly traditional remakes of the over-the-top wigs worn during the Baroque period, the Russian artist decided to integrate present-day symbols into her intricate creations. Just as an 18th-century stylist might have opted to accessorize hairpieces with birds, feathers, or an entire ship model, Kozina balances planes and contemporary architecture atop her models’ heads.

“How do you make a modern baroque wig?” Kozina asks rhetorically, while talking to The Creators Project. “By decorating it with symbols that are relevant today. We wanted to make wigs with a modern and more understandable context.”

Kozina works entirely by hand, from concept to execution. After studying historical materials, she draws a detailed sketch. Her husband Dmitriy then sculpts the underlying structure out of tough cardboard, while she prepares the strips that will give the wig its outer texture. “Then we add the larger elements, like curls," explains the artist, "and make changes as we go along, adding or subtracting decorative elements like flowers, feathers, and leaves."

Work on the wigs has introduced the couple to an entire community: “We had no idea that the Baroque theme was so popular across the world. There are Baroque music festivals, operas, exhibitions, and many other projects. We’ve made new friends in the process.”

Next, Kozina wants to experiment with new techniques and tackle other kinds of headpieces. “Work on the wigs continues, but I’ve been sketching hats lately.” Perhaps we’ll catch her first adventures with millinery soon, hopefully on her eye-catching Instagram.

Advertisement

To see more of Asya Kozina’s paper creations, visit here.

Related:

Draw Your Own 18th Century Selfie with 'Design a Wig'

A Hairstyle Archaeologist Is Recreating Ancient Updos

250 Earbuds Dangle from This Headphone Wig