EUGENE SOULEIMAN
Visionary celebrity hairstylist, garage-rock music enthusiast and bona fide backstagerunway legend, Eugene is not afraid to break boundaries with his creations
PROFESSION (AS ON PASSPORT)
Hairstylist. Whenever I go through customs, I get asked about fashion shows and whether I’ve ever done Naomi Campbell’s
hair. When they find out that I have, they always want to know
what she’s like.
FIRST JOB
I left hairdressing college after two years to work as a barber at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London. The move to fashion’s mecca expanded my aspirations and made me realise I wanted to be creative with hair. It instilled a hunger in me to learn and push
myself to new levels.
BIG BREAK
It was when legendary agent Beverley Streeter took me on her books. It was a big turning point; it led to a great friendship and an understanding of where I wanted to go with my craft.
CURRENT JOB
Wella creative global director of care & styling. I’m also working on collaborations with John Galliano, Paolo Roversi, Craig McDean and Pat McGrath, which are top secret. Watch this space.
DREAM JOB
I already have it. One designer I’d love to have worked with was Cristóbal Balenciaga.
SIGNATURE SKILL
Thinking outside the box and going the extra mile. It sets me apart as an individual and in how I express myself through my work. I’m constantly attracted to things that are new and can
expand my knowledge.
CAREER HIGH
I don’t think I’ve had it yet.
There is more to come.
INDUSTRY IDOL
Richard Avedon. He was a brilliant American fashion and portrait photographer.
A true visionary.
WHO’S THE NEXT BIG THING
The GØGGS. They’re a garage punk band from Tennessee with one of my favorite singers, Ty Segall. Listen to them
and you’ll see why.
BACK-UP PLAN
There’s no back-up plan. You have to live in the moment, and that’s exactly what I’m doing.
HOBBIES AND INTERESTS
I love to draw and listen to music. I like [blues musician] Lead Belly, and rock bands such as Nirvana.
I’m into garage-rock music, especially anything the Drag City record label puts out – one of my
favourites is Thee Oh Sees. MY KIT
1. WELLA PROFESSIONALS
EIMI SUGAR LIFT SPRAY, £9.90.
2. MASON PEARSON BRUSHES
PURE BRISTLE HANDY B3, £94.75.
3. WELLA PROFESSIONALS EIMI SHAPE ME, £13.30. 4. YS PARK 150 T-ZING PROFESSIONAL TEASING
AND BACK COMBING HAIR COMB IN BLACK, £13.95. 5. WELLA PROFESSIONALS EIMI EXTRAVOLUME MOUSSE, £12.90 6. MIZUTANI ACRO TYPE-K SCISSORS, £542.30