FKA Twins Beaded Fringe: Hair Disaster Or Iconic?
The story behind FKA twigs’ iconic beaded fringe, a striking feature that graced her appearance at the 2014 Barclaycard Mercury Prize nominations launch, is one of both misfortune and creative brilliance. In a recent video, the multi-talented artist, now 36, shared the harrowing experience that led to this unforgettable fashion moment.
Twigs revealed that her bold attempt to bleach her eyebrows had gone terribly wrong, resulting in a severe burn that left her forehead injured and stripped of skin. What could have been a disaster, however, became an opportunity for creative ingenuity. Teaming up with her hairstylist, Soichi Inagaki, they devised a daring solution: a cascade of beads, suspended low over her forehead, to cleverly conceal the burn while transforming the mishap into a stunning fashion statement.
“The greatest fashion moments often stem from a mishap, a mistake, a happy accident,” Twigs reflects with a wry smile. Her resilient spirit shines through as she adds, “It’s a good thing I burnt off my eyebrows.” This bold and defiant attitude toward adversity is a hallmark of her artistry.
Celebrating her first Mercury Prize nomination, FKA twigs completed her look with a Balenciaga ensemble—a gray jacket layered over a sleek black jumpsuit. The dramatic beaded fringe not only concealed the injury but also elevated her entire ensemble, making it one of her most memorable red carpet-appearances.
This revelation comes on the heels of her recent response to the banning of her Calvin Klein advertisement in the UK. The Advertising Standards Authority had banned one of the three posters from the April 2023 campaign, claiming it portrayed Twigs as a “stereotypical sexual object.” In a defiant Instagram post, Twigs countered the claim, stating, “I do not see the ‘stereotypical sexual object’ that they have labeled me… I see a beautiful, strong woman of color whose incredible body has overcome more pain than you can imagine.”
As she continues to defy stereotypes and challenge perceptions, FKA twigs are set to take on a significant new role in the upcoming remake of “The Crow”. The film, a remake of the 1994 cult classic starring the late Brandon Lee, marks the 30th anniversary of the original. The tragic death of Lee at the age of 28, due to an accidental on-set shooting, adds a poignant layer to the film’s legacy.
The remake, like the original, is based on James O’Barr’s 1989 graphic novel, which tells the story of Eric, who is resurrected to seek revenge for the brutal murders of himself and his fiancée, Shelly. In this new adaptation, Twigs will take on the role of Shelly, adding her unique presence to the story of vengeance and redemption.
With her candid reflections on fashion, her defiant stance against objectification, and her exciting new role, FKA twigs continues to inspire with her resilience, artistry, and unapologetic authenticity.