The NGV x Kérastase Power Talks with Adwoa Aboah was the first Australian edition of Kérastase's global Power Talks series, held at NGV International in Melbourne on 1 October 2026. The free, in-conversation event brought together the British model, actress and mental health advocate with Kaila Matthews, Fashion Director of Vogue Australia, to talk about confidence, creative practice and navigating a fast-changing industry.
What Is Kérastase Power Talks?
Power Talks is Kérastase's global brand-cause and mentorship platform, launched in January 2023. It was created to address the "confidence gap" between women and men during career-defining moments, and it runs biannually. Past events have taken place in Paris, Mumbai, Los Angeles and Warsaw, with speakers including Demi Moore, Emily Ratajkowski and Amelia Dimoldenberg.
The Melbourne edition was a first in another way: it was the first time Kérastase has partnered with a cultural institution to deliver the series. Held in partnership with the National Gallery of Victoria, it sat alongside the art, design and culture conversations the NGV is known for. Kérastase, which describes itself as the world's leading luxury professional haircare brand, has more than 60 years behind it, with research dating back to 1964.
Who Is Adwoa Aboah?
Adwoa Aboah is a British model, actress and mental health advocate. She has appeared on the cover of Time as a "Next Generation Leader", has been featured in Vogue, W, i-D, Dazed and ELLE, and has fronted campaigns for Dior, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Swarovski and Rimowa. More recently she has moved into acting, with roles in Netflix's Top Boy, Disney+'s Willow and Lena Dunham's Too Much, plus the feature film Satisfaction.
Off the runway, she is the founder of Gurls Talk, a nonprofit she started in 2015 to give girls and young women early, accessible mental health support through programs, resources and community. She also co-founded handbag label The Veil with designer Georgie Wright. NGV Director Tony Ellwood AM described her as "a leading voice of her generation", and Kérastase's Brand Director Samuel Choong called her "the ideal headliner" for the inaugural Australian event.
What Did the Talk Cover?
Adwoa spoke with Kaila Matthews, Fashion Director of Vogue Australia, about working in an industry that keeps evolving and how she found confidence during defining moments in her career. The conversation also drew on her creative practice and her advocacy for mental health, with community and the power of sharing personal stories as running themes. NGV has shared the full conversation, which you can watch on the NGV Melbourne YouTube channel.
Expert Tip: Hairhouse professionals often see that confidence and hair go hand in hand. When your hair feels healthy and manageable, getting ready is simpler and you can walk into a room feeling like yourself. Start with a routine you will actually keep, rather than a dozen steps.
The Hairhouse team was in the room at NGV International for the evening, and it was a reminder of why professional haircare brands invest in conversations beyond the salon. Kérastase's approach to Power Talks links the brand to empowerment and mentorship, not only to products.
How Can You Bring a Kérastase Routine Into Your Week?
If you want a simple place to start with Kérastase, think about what your hair needs most. For dry hair, Kérastase Nutritive Bain Satin Riche is a daily shampoo made to comfort very dry hair while still feeling lightweight. For an overnight step, Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum is a leave-in serum for dry hair that you apply before bed.
Hairhouse stocks the Kérastase range, and our teams can help you choose a routine for your hair type in store or by live chat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NGV x Kérastase Power Talks?
NGV x Kérastase Power Talks is the first Australian edition of Kérastase's global Power Talks series, held at NGV International in Melbourne on 1 October 2026. It is an in-conversation event, free to attend with bookings essential, that explores confidence, career and community.
Who spoke at the NGV x Kérastase Power Talks?
The speaker was Adwoa Aboah, a British model, actress and mental health advocate, in conversation with Kaila Matthews, Fashion Director of Vogue Australia. Adwoa is also the founder of Gurls Talk, a nonprofit that supports the mental health of girls and young women, and co-founder of handbag label The Veil.
What is the Kérastase Power Talks series about?
Power Talks is Kérastase's global brand-cause and mentorship platform, launched in January 2023. It aims to address the "confidence gap" between women and men during career-defining moments, by bringing leading voices into conversation about their careers and how they built confidence.
Where can I buy Kérastase in Australia?
Kérastase is available at Hairhouse in store and online. Hairhouse has more than 100 stores across Australia, offers free standard delivery on orders over $70, and Click & Collect orders are typically ready within 3 hours.
Ready to build your routine? Shop Kérastase Nutritive Bain Satin Riche and the wider Kérastase range at Hairhouse.