Interview with Damian Monzillo |
 |
We caught up with him recently and asked him a few questions about his life in the hairstyle industry. Here’s what he had to say :
DF : « A brief resume of the most significant moment of your career to date? » DM : « Working with Dita Von Teese, signing recently to my new agency Artist Talent Management (atmnyc.com), Creating the hair piece for my Marie Antoinette (refer to his portfolio : scissorandcomb.com) shoot. » DF : « How did your get into this line of work? » DM : « By accident and an accident. I was working as a bouncer in a nightclub and proceeded to leave that night from the hospital with 6 stitches on the top of my forehead. The next morning my girlfriend at the time suggested I do something else. DF : « What is the best part of your job? » DM : « Transformation. » DF : « What skill you need to become a hairdresser? » DM : « Patience, a varied and vast amount of research and a desire to be yourself. Technically, you should know finger waves and marcel waves, know every tool, every texture, every kind of hair. To me you should be able to cut, colour, style anyone’s hair. Find different things not traditionally used in hair to help you. I typically use wire, elastic string, a toothbrush, my oven at home, loofah. Question everything, find your own way. » DF : « Can you make anyone look good? » DM : « I honestly think I could if the intended person thinks they can as well! » DF : « Whose hair would you most like to cut? » DM : « To me it’s not wanting to remake anyone, it’s meeting amazing people and being inspired by them and our connection to do beautiful work! » DF : « Why have you been successful? What differentiate you from other stylists? DM : « Hairdressing has never been a job to me. The more I did the more I have wanted to do. A wonderful vicious cycle to be in! I think I am different because I look outside what I consider to be the common way most hairdressers operate. I think I need to be this way to compete in the editorial world and to be the best I can be. It also makes sense to me to I look at anything as shape and texture. I also love challenging myself. » DF : « Did you have a haircut that made you famous? » DM : « My system is called the “Synthesis of Synchronicity”. This new concept is equal parts hair and philosophy. This describes the smaller choices we can make to be more conscious about our life and work as hairdressers. The Synthesis of Synchronicity exists to bring organic thought about cutting, styling and colour application back into the industry. We are organic beings, closer to a tree than anything manufactured. These ideas will help you solidify your clientele with cuts and colour that will grow out effortlessly and styling with an editorial verveI sent you my hallmark last night, scissor and comb tattoo yin and yang. » DF : « How do you remain consistently creative? » DM : « Curiosity in what's next. Going to museums, galleries, a park, etc. DF : « What do you think will be the emerging fashion trends in New York for 2009? » DM : « I don’t believe in trends. I believe in the “great minds think alike” idea. I believe we are all inner connected and it’s our magnetism and or energy that brings us together. » DF : « For our readers who aspire to follow in your footstep what advices would you give? » DM : « References, references, references!!! Study as many differents cultures styles for example, I was just in Croatia where they have a lot of different kinds of braiding, transferring influences from the past I find completely interesting, you will notice in my portfolio I did my version of Marie Antoinette. Find what interests you and how it can be translated to hair. For me lately it’s wood grain. The movement, colour and texture of it I find so beautiful! Challenge yourself and never ever give up! Learn from your "mistakes". Make what ever you feel your weakest in your best. After beauty school I was told that styling hair was my weakest part of my work!! Also always remember, DF : « can you tell us about your plans in the future? » DM : « I want to do the cover and stories for French and Italian Vogue, working and travelling in Japan and Europe. Working with John Galliano and other creative people like him. I also love to see how life unfolds. » DF : « Where are you based NY or California? Do you have a salon? » DM : « I’m based in NY. I only work 2 days every two months in a salon in called Dekko. DF : « Hair care advice »: DM : « Don’t wash your hair but 3 times a week even if you go to the gym and use some product in your hair. The scalp and hair has to keep a certain amount of suppleness and moisture/protein balance through the natural oil we have. Shampoo has only been around for about 100 years so, to rinse and condition (usually the ends for fine hair and all over for more thick or coarse hair) » DF : « Are you using products contributing to sustainable development ? Eco tips ? DM : « Yes, Davines products, they work towards having zero effect on the environment I use the packaging for many uses after I finish the shampoo or conditioner for example. » DF : « Can you give us some tips to have a fashion hairstyle all day long? DM : « When you style hair with any tool you need to make sure that the hair is cooled with either the cold shot (on most hairdryers these days) or using bob pins or clips to let the sections individually cool off in whatever position you see fit. Whether you want more consistent volume or a stronger curl or both. Taking smaller sections is usually better for more control and ability to change shape or direction of your style. » DF : « Just got voted one of the best hairdressers in California by the New Hair Stylist Association. Are you proud of this award? » DM : « Recognition is it’s own reward, just like this interview. » Our thanks to Damian Monzillo for answering all our questions, we look forward to viewing his new hair images soon and wish him well in his many Eco-Fashion works. « Carpe Diem » Find more about Damian Monzillo : http://www.scissorandcomb.com/ |
|