Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1512433
62 • THE ARTISAN WINTER 2024 Because The Color Purple is a period film, it needed to be accurate and period-appropriate. Because this version is a musical also, the dancing and singing played a huge part of the storytelling; whether it be an up tempo celebratory dance or a fight scene, the hair needed to stay in place. Texture played an important role in the delivery of a lot of the hair styles worn in the film. It also was a lifesaver when it came to the heat and humidity encountered while filming mid-summer in the south. Our lead actress, Fantasia Barrino, magnificently played the role of Celie, an African American woman living in rural Georgia in the early 20th century. She wore a custom full-lace wig that was built with 3-4 textures of hair. Kinky edges on this wig were a must for me as a hair stylist. This gave more realism. I slowly and carefully applied this wig, making sure the lace adhered in the midst of the heat and humidity. I found that after a while, it seemed to melt into the skin invisibly, but was at times challenging to get off at the end of the day. I welcomed her glamorous press-and-curl bob hair style worn in her fantasy scene, as well as her beautiful natural textured pin-up she wore as her character evolved. My imagination of her character, and her character's imagination of herself, allowed me to be able to take her homely normal look to more glamorous hair styles as she daydreamed and fantasized about the love she had for Shug Avery. This role of Shug Avery was played by Taraji P. Henson, an entertainer who lived her unapologetic life to the fullest. For an entertainer in the '20s and '30s, her image was everything. Shug Avery's hair was styled by hair stylist Tym Wallace. She wore human hair wigs styled into soft waves, occasionally beautifully pinned up throughout the film. She was always impeccably dressed for any occasion. Sofia was a character played by Danielle Brooks. She was a well- groomed and powerful woman. Sofia was the only other friend Celie had, and their friendship served as a source of inspiration and empowerment, highlighting the importance of community and mutual support. L-R: Phylicia Pearl Mpasi; Halle Bailey as Nettie