Passionate, proactive and apologetically determined, Benjamin Martin is one of the most prolific session stylists working in Australia today. A versed salon owner, session stylist and esteemed educator based in Melbourne, Martin’s skill has been admired and respected by hairdressers, tastemakers and industry leaders both in Australia and across the globe. With over 18 years’ working within the professional hair industry; his creative vision, appreciation for authenticity and attention to detail is evident in every project he undertakes, both in and out of the salon environment.
“I feel really lucky to be part of this industry. What keeps me motivated is balance. Ensuring that my clients have the best experience in my salon and education plays a huge role in empowering my team. But it’s also making sure I have time out of the salon; working on shoots, backstage and with other creatives in fashion, photography and make-up that really allows me to push myself creativity. It’s so vital to make time for these opportunities because it helps me explore new ideas and learn new techniques which I sometimes bring back into the salon,” comments Martin.
Salon Owner and Creative Director of Salon XVI in Melbourne’s inner-city Richmond; Martin’s exceptional talent and contribution to the hair industry has been recognised by international hair companies, including Redken 5th Avenue, GHD and Kevin Murphy; and by the ever-expanding list of editorial, fashion week and celebrity hair work that continue to highlight his versatile skill set. Taking the plunge into the session styling world in 2012 after assisting Zoe Irwin at Salon International, the Tribute Show and BBC Radio One Awards in London; Martin found his creative calling; Session Styling. Martin’s work would celebrate hair’s immediate connection to fashion and how to bring a complete look to life. From photoshoots, editorial spreads and covers, Martin’s work has been published in a variety of cult and consumer media including Vogue Australia, Elle Indonesia, Elle China, Refinery 29, Damaged Magazine, Vision China, Culture, And Men Magazine, Fault, Kneon and Fashion Journal, to name a few.
In the education realm, Martin is currently an active member of the Redken Artistic team, participating in their full education program and fashion events like Get Inspired, the international symposium and MBFWA. Martin has been awarded the following accolades throughout his career; Finalist AHFA Session Stylist of the Year Finalist 2019, Finalist AHFA VIC Hairdresser of the Year 2018 and 2019, HAIR EXPO VIC Hairdresser of the Year 2019, Winner HBIA Women’s Photographic Open 2013, 2nd Place HBIA, Men’s Photographic Open 2014, 5x Finalist, American Crew Face Off Competition, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014.
With his strong session styling background, his participation in fashion weeks, events and consumer campaigns have been a constant. At a Hair Director level, Martin has created stunning runway looks for the likes of Deadly Ponies and Justin Cassin (MBFWA 2018), Linda Britten (MFW), Strateus Carlucci (MBFWA 2017), New Generation Runaway (MBFWA 2017), and Baby Ghost NYC (NYFW SS 2018). Dion Lee (Mercedes-Benz F1 Ladies Day), Banana Republic (NYFW SS 2018), Giorgio Armani launch party (Australia 2016, 2017), Dior NGV exhibition opening (Melbourne 2017), Gucci launch party (Australia 2016) Melbourne Spring Fashion Week (2014-2016), Myer (2016, 2017), David Jones (2016), Disney and Target X Missoni.
His work is also showcased in national consumer campaigns. In 2017 alone Martin directed the hair for Templa Projects, Asilo the Label, Eastland Shopping Centre, Verali Shoes, Huffer and Just Jeans. Over his career has also directed campaigns for Novo Shoes (2018),
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Alannah Hill (SS2013, SS2014, Resort 2013), Zomp Shoes (AW 2012), Lurv Sportswear (2015), Jack London (2013, 2014) and Siren Shoes (SS2017).
Martin’s professionalism has also seen him be appointed as the stylist of choice for a number of local and international tastemakers; including Edwina McCann (Editor in Chief, Vogue Australia), Julia Stone (musician), Lady Kitty Spencer, Collette Dinnigan, Melissa Hoyer, Wende Zomnir (Urban Decay Founder), Krystina Campbell-Pretty, Ella Hooper, Milos Raonic (Tennis Player), Ben Gilles (Silver chair), Nicole Chamoun (Romper Stomper on Stan), Jackie Gilles (Real Housewives of Melbourne 2014-2016), Tina Arena (Aus. Tour 2012), Little Mix (Promo Tour 2012), Kimbra (Echoes in Viberia Video & EP Cover, 2014) and Logies Red Carpet Guests Olivia Dejonge, Saskia Hampead and Ashleigh Brewer.
Within the influencer space, he has tended to the tresses of Raisa, Sarah Halloway (Founder of Matcha Maiden), Alana Pallister (I AM GIA, Tigermist), Stevie Pallister (I AM GIA, Tigermist), Sahara Ray, Christian Wilkins and Josh Hueston.