In conversation with Kiekie Stanners
Checking in with Matt Benns, the superstar hair stylist making waves in NYC, and one of our creative Kiwi success stories.
These days Matt's insta serves up cute selfies amongst his work with the hottest lineup of clients, including Charli XCX's XL waves or her Met Gala look, Natasha Lyonne's voluminous copper curls and Kim Kardashian's memorable buzz cut, oh and we can't forget the Pamela Anderson or Beyonce cameos.
After leaving NZ shores in 2016, Matt has gone on to essentially crack New York City, one of the hardest cities to break into as a freelance creative but also the most thriving and inspiring. Working alongside his mentor and hair icon, Jawara Wauchope, Matt's work has since been spotted in Vogue, The Face, Purple and iD Magazine. His extensive skillset has seen him included as a New Wave Creative 2023 by the prestigious British Fashion Council and represented by the global creative agency, CLM.
I’ve been lucky enough to have worked alongside Matt over the years, and call this man a great friend. Since directing the hair looks for Charli XCX 360 music video, I couldn't wait to jump on a call to hear about his work, life and what the future has in store. Read on for Matt's hot take, from a cafe in Paris, naturally.
GUESS, Charli XCX Ft. Billie Eilish. Hair by Matt Benns
Matty B! It’s been a few years since an in-person rendezvous - How is NYC treating you and how long have you been based there for now?
Wow, that feels like a lifetime ago, do you remember our trek to that beach in New Jersey? What a day!
It’s been 6 years now, the city is treating me well, she and I have a real love-hate relationship, whenever I leave for a moment it feels good but the return feels even better.
How did you initially step into the world of freelance session styling in NYC - when we all know that it’s one of the hardest cities to crack?
During covid what was that 2020, or 21? I realised I wasn’t happy with my career. I left Auckland with the intention of developing myself and growing but in what direction I wasn’t really sure. It’s a lot of trial and error taking a risk and if it works great, it’s just as important to be okay with failure it’s equally the same experience, we just move on to the next.
Obviously during that time with little work happening there was a lot of time for reflection, I realised I was doing exactly what I was previously doing but just in another city. I wasn’t satisfied and I didn’t feel I was where I wanted to be at that point of my career.
So it was a really good shake-up. I left my job and went on to be Jawara’s full-time assistant I hounded him to be on his team because I believed in his vision and talent, his respect for hair and the culture of it. I was inspired, energised and hungry to learn. I was with him for two and half years, navigating a new fashion climate during and after covid.
At the end of Fashion Week 2022 in Paris, I met with a few agencies to figure out my next move. It’s a process finding an agent that’s looking out for you and wanting to be part of your growth, I can say that I found that support. But at the end of the day, you are the only person who is in control of your career, you shape how that looks: manifestation, determination, drive, continuous learning and also being a little competitive.
Congratulations on your work with the star of the moment Charli XCX! Can you tell us how you initially started to work with her?
Thanks! I’m truly so happy for her, she deserves all the flowers she’s receiving right now. I love working with her because she’s undeniably herself, doing what she wants to do on her own terms. We met maybe a week or so before she announced there was a new album, I flew to LA to shoot her with Richard Kern, Danielle Emerson and Yadim for the cover of The Face Magazine.
I’m obsessed with the hair creation you made for her to attend this years Met Gala! I wanna know the step-by-step of getting her ready for the gala and the pre-planning prior to that day?
Thank you! Yeah that was a real moment.
We started talking about it maybe 3 weeks before the event. We were sending each other references, researching, and understanding the dress, its fabric and the story behind it which fit the theme so well. I was so inspired.
We eventually landed on an idea; the day before The Met we did a trial with Isamaya (FFrench) to see hair and makeup as a full look.
There were many things to consider, like the volume, the products and the techniques to use - I knew it was going to be warm and humid, New York has extreme weather so you have to be prepared and consider its longevity and be prepared for anything that could happen. There’s a lot of pressure when the whole world is watching and critiquing so there is no room for mistakes.
Watching her walk the carpet made me feel immensely proud, I was so happy with what we did as a team.
Charli XCX, Met Gala 2024. Hair by Matt Benns
When working on something like the ‘360’ video clip as the hair director, can you tell us a bit about that process? Are you responsible for the hair of all of those amazing women cast in the video as well as Charli?
I was sent the initial creative deck a few weeks before so I had some time to understand the vibe and certain scenes. The casting came maybe a week later.
A few calls with director Aidan Zamiri and Creative Director Imogene Strauss, to talk through pivotal scenes so there is an understanding of how it all should feel.
We knew that Charli was going to be in her own type of “music video world” throughout so every scene has this like glam wind following her around, you might have seen my little cameo holding the leaf blower in one of the scenes at the DMV.
Once I had casting I came back with a few ideas for each talent - and pitched to them once I met each in person, but what it really came down to was how they felt, we wanted them terrifyingly sexy, glam, a heightened version of themselves, hot, impossibly hot!! True to themselves.
She naturally has the most incredible hair texture, what are your key products to enhance and maintain her beautiful curls?
Depending on the event/environment there’s a mixture of products I use - it’s usually a humidity curl gel from Bumble and Bumble mixed in with a gel.
You have worked with some of my favourite female icons - Pammy, Kim K, and Paloma - can you share any details of your experiences with these incredible ladies?
ICONS!! Each all so inspiring and each with their own incredible story.
Kim Kardashian for CR Fashion Book. Hair by Matt Benns
You’ve shared a set with Queen Bey herself! I mean that’s next level. What was that experience like getting to colour a wig for her?
Was pretty iconic, I remember I was prepping a wig for her in the back room of the trailer when she walked in and I heard her speak for the first time I was so starstruck. I was honoured to be part of Jawara’s moment, I believe that was his first cover for British Vogue.
What are your current ride-or-die, Desert Island top 5 hair products?
Cock Grease XXTRA Hard Hair Pomade
KMS Hair Play Styling Gel
Balmain Smoothing Hair Cream
Bumble & Bumble Does It All Styling Hairspray
Tigi Bed Head Wax Stick
Akona for Auture cover. Hair by Matt Benns
What’s next for Matt Benns that you can share?
Who knows! I want to spend a lot more time in Paris, I’m actually writing to you from here sitting at some cute cafe. It feels good to be here. Creatively it feels stimulating and exciting, excited for new collaborations.
And finally, what’s in your current shower shelfie?!
Lelabo City Exclusive Perfume: Gain 10 Tokyo
Officine Universelle Buly Body Oil: Huile Antique Indian Cucumber and Syrian Mint
Emma Lewisham Illuminating Oil Face Cleanser
Claudalie Elixir Face Spray
Shiseido: Anissa Perfect UV Sunscreen Milk SPF50+ PA++++
