Bob Marley Revealed
by Carla Farmer | Hair Designer
Photos Courtesy of Paramount Pictures
Working on the film Bob Marley: One Love was an extraordinary experience, one that allowed me to dive deep into the creative process and collaborate with some of the most talented artists in the industry. The movie, which filmed in both the UK and Jamaica, required a meticulous approach to styling the characters, particularly the legendary Bob Marley, portrayed by Kingsley Ben-Adir. As co-designer, my role was to craft and set the looks for Kingsley as Bob Marley and other key characters, ensuring that every detail authentically reflected the essence of the era and the personalities of the figures being portrayed.
The Beginning of the Journey
The journey began with a phone call from Reinaldo Marcus Green, the visionary director behind this incredible film. Immediately, I knew that this project would require a unique and immersive approach to hair and make-up. I sprang into action, immersing myself in the script and the vivid descriptions provided by writers Zach Baylin, Reinaldo Marcus Green, Terence Winter and Frank E. Flowers. Each character was brought to life in my mind, setting the stage for the creative process.
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 crafted, 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. The 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
The creation of Bob Marley’s look was a particularly challenging yet rewarding process. We began with an Afro wig made by Samuel 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. The 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. The 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. The final wig, featured in the film’s last scenes, was crafted by hand using the crochet method, resulting in a piece that was as natural as it was intricate.
Collaboration and Support
This 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, Malika Chinn, Christelle, Zainab Jaye, Ella Burton, Morris Roots, Guy Common and Moe Yusuf. Your artistic value, kindness and unwavering support were invaluable throughout this journey.
Reflecting on the Experience
Designing the looks for Bob Marley: One Love was an intense, collaborative and creatively fulfilling experience. It pushed me to explore new techniques, work with incredible artists, and stay true to the essence of each character while meeting the demands of a fast-paced film production. Every detail, from the color of a loc to the movement of a headwrap, was considered to ensure that the film honored Bob Marley’s legacy and celebrated the rich cultural history of Jamaica.
Working with Reinaldo Marcus Green and the entire team on this film has been a profound journey of creativity, dedication and cultural appreciation. I am proud of what we have accomplished, and I hope that the film resonates with audiences worldwide as a testament to Bob Marley’s enduring legacy and the vibrant history that shaped his music and his life.
Conclusion
From the moment I received that call to the final wrap of production, every step in designing the looks for Bob Marley was a labor of love. The artistry, collaboration and dedication of everyone involved have resulted in a film that we believe truly honors Bob Marley’s spirit and the world that inspired his music. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this project and to have worked with such talented and passionate artists. It has been an experience I will cherish forever. •
