Lisa Rinna stunned at this season’s Haute Couture Week in Paris, enlisting two top Swedish pros – hairstylist Johan Hellström and nail artist Frida Selkirk – to create her most daring looks yet
Lisa Rinna has a definite soft spot for all things Scandinavian. Not only has she previously walked the runway for Copenhagen’s cool-girl label Rotate, but the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star also relies on a trusted team of Swedish beauty experts: Johan Hellström – owner of Björn Axén and hairstylist to the Swedish royals – and celebrity nail artist Frida Selkirk.
During Haute Couture Week, the duo travelled to Paris to help Rinna perfect her headline-making looks. Known for taking risks (remember last year’s hotel-suite bleach-blonde transformation, courtesy of Hellström), Rinna once again used her hair to amp up her street-style presence. “It was important for me to ensure her hair complemented her overall look, so I got to see her outfits in advance,” says Hellström. “That’s when my creative process began.”
Across three distinct events, Hellström designed three stand-out hairstyles. “For Stéphane Rolland, the dress was incredibly elegant, so I wanted the hair to have a bit more of an edge to balance the sleekness of the gown,” he explains. The result: a short, choppy fringe and softly curled ends that accentuated her features. Next came the Jean Paul Gaultier show, inspired by Rinna’s Madonna-esque pinstripe suit. “It only felt right to pair it with a Madonna-inspired hairstyle, but with a more vintage twist, creating those big, classic curls,” says Hellström. “And after last season, we all know she truly owns a blonde look!”
Photo: Vanessa Tryde
Photo: Frida Selkirk Studio
Photo: Vanessa Tryde
Still, the most jaw-dropping moment came at Viktor & Rolf, where Rinna debuted a fiery red style. “I had never seen Lisa Rinna with red hair before, but I just knew it would look incredible,” Hellström says. “So we opted for a classic hairstyle, but with a darker shade at the roots transitioning into a vibrant red – and I absolutely love the combination.”
To complete the kaleidoscopic ensemble, Rinna turned to Selkirk for a set of striking French tips that matched the belt’s lime-yellow leopard print. “We created three different press-on nail looks to complement her outfits for the Viktor & Rolf show. The first featured white nails with bold black polka dots, mirroring her blouse. The second was a metallic green set, designed to enhance her short skirt,” Selkirk recalls. “To my great delight, she chose the last one – which was my absolute favourite!”
Reflecting on the whirlwind week, Hellström adds: “Of course, working with Lisa is an honour, but it’s also so much fun because she’s daring enough to be playful and experiment with different styles. And with her personality, she can pull off any look.”