Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1529095
24 • THE ARTISAN WINTER 2025 James Wigs, a name I have admired for years. Samuel created a beautiful 12-inch to 18-inch natural wig, which served as the foundation for Kingsley's transformation into Bob Marley. Given Bob's mixed Jamaican and white British heritage, it was crucial to select hair that blended both textures to reflect his unique background. I started by interlocking Afro-textured hair in the back, using a combination of three different color bricks to achieve the high and lowlights that mimicked Bob's actual hair tones. For three days, I worked nonstop in my studio in London to create the initial look for the first screen test. e producers approved the look, but I knew it could be refined even further. It was at this point that Morris Roots stepped in. He was impressed by the foundation I had created and offered his expertise to take the style to the next level. Together, we refined the wig to ensure it captured the essence of Bob Marley. e locs had to move naturally, reflecting how real hair would behave. To achieve this, Morris developed a special conditioner that we used to maintain the movement and shine of the locs. e final wig, featured in the film's last scenes, was craed by hand using the crochet method, resulting in a piece that was as natural as it was intricate. Collaboration and Support is project would not have been possible without the incredible team that supported me. Working in a different country for an extended period comes with its own set of challenges, but the collaborative spirit of everyone involved made it a truly rewarding experience. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Karen Rose, Building the Looks To capture the authenticity of the period and the real-life figures, I began by designing and constructing wigs for the numerous characters that played pivotal roles in Bob Marley's life. Characters like Rita Marley, portrayed by Lashana Lynch, and Peter Tosh, who were given looks that were true to their original styles while still accommodating the demands of a dynamic film production. Each wig was meticulously craed, incorporating colors and textures that mirrored the unique attributes of each person. One of the most fulfilling aspects of this project was the opportunity to collaborate with Morris Aberdeen, known as Morris Roots, a master loctician and barber who owns four salons in the UK, specializing in locs and natural hair styling. His skill set was indispensable for this film. Morris brought an unparalleled level of authenticity and creativity to the project, helping to elevate the hair styles to a level of realism and artistry that was necessary for the film's success. His expertise in cutting, reattaching, and refurbishing locs allowed us to work flexibly with the actors, transforming their looks as needed without compromising the integrity of their natural hair. Morris was also responsible for creating the headwraps that were essential for Lashana Lynch's portrayal of Rita Marley. e wraps added a unique cultural dimension to her character, honoring her heritage and reflecting the styles that Rita herself favored. Crafting Bob Marley's Look e creation of Bob Marley's look was a particularly challenging yet rewarding process. We began with an Afro wig made by Samuel