Journal

Girls On Film: Joan Chen in Twin Peaks

Girls On Film: Joan Chen in Twin Peaks

Another week, another step closer to the third instalment of Twin Peaks finally arriving on our screens. Originally a huge success in the 1990’s, the show was abruptly cancelled after its second season. It has since become a cult favourite and beloved director David Lynch has stepped into the breach once more, promising to finally put an end to the mysterious events he started all those years ago. As big fans of the series, we can’t wait to see what’s in store.

And as anticipation builds for the new season, we’re naturally thinking of the show’s iconic style and its many hair muses. Though we’re perpetually sighing over Sherilyn Fenn’s short waves in her role as Audrey Horne, as well as Madchen Amick’s long, natural curls as Shelly Johnson, it’s a less-cited Twin Peaks girl who is our newest hair crush.

Image: NY Daily News
Image: NY Daily News

Chinese-American actress Joan Chen plays factory-owner Josie Packard in the show. Josie is most notable in the rich tapestry of the Twin Peaks population as the love interest of Sheriff Harry Truman (and for her rather unusual fate…). However, for us it’s her hairstyle that really makes her stand out. A cropped, side-parted ‘do gives her an androgynous edge not felt elsewhere in the show. The masculine silhouettes she wears often compliment this - lots of high-waisted, men’s style trousers and boxy jackets that give us serious wardrobe envy every time we re-watch, and offer up yet another reason to obsess over Twin Peaks’ cult favourite aesthetic.

The shortness of the style also plays to Joan’s considerable strengths, accentuating her high cheekbones and full lips. And though it seems like a boyish cut, styling is key – when the front is allowed to fall forwards, it’s a pretty, strikingly feminine look.

Image: IMDB
Image: IMDB

Glasshouse is all about haircuts which are directional, yet simple enough to be versatile. The short-but-long-on-top look championed by Joan in this role is a great example of that. Often when clients decide to take the plunge into the world of short hair, they worry that they might be stuck with one style for the foreseeable future. But, with a little length left on top, the possibilities become much greater.

Whether slicked back for a wet look with a gel-based product like Organic Colour Systems’ Shape, or teased forward, this is the short style that keeps on giving. And on lazy days, it can simply be parted at the side after washing to emulate Joan’s cool, understated Twin Peaks look.

And speaking of Twin Peaks, if you need us in the near future, you can find us binge-watching our current favourite show and taking breaks to muse over Josie’s crop (as well as all the other wonderful hair looks this iconic show has to offer…)

Image: The Eye of Faith
Image: The Eye of Faith

Cover image: NYP Decider
Words: Lauren O’Neill