FAME & FORTUNE
Here, hair and everywhere with the globe-trotting David Gillson
What do you do in addition to your role as director of Carlton Hair?
I’m part of the Davines artistic team, an Italian haircare brand. I travel extensively internationally — I attend Cosmoprof, the world’s biggest beauty industry trade fair in Bologna and I visit London a few times in the year because it is the best city for education and inspiration in our industry. I write beauty, fashion and travel stories for local and international magazines, blogs and online publications. You have been described as quite a figure on the South African social scene — a man known for his style.
I’m obsessed with fashion and find every day an excuse to dress up. Style is something I live on a daily basis. My wife, Allison, and I are invited to various Joburg events on the weekend, but because I work one weekend a month in Cape Town, weekends are important family time spent with Allison and my daughter, Georgina. I dress for myself, but I’m glad somebody noticed.
What has driven your success and how does your fashion sense tie in with your business achievements ?
I’m totally passionate about the amazing industry that I’m involved in. I’m continually learning and being exposed to exciting new opportunities. The latest is being involved in the new Carlton Blow Dry Bar concept opening nationally at the end of July. My passion for fashion has been a major part of my success because I see the fashion, hair and beauty industries as interlinked. How do you spend your money ?
I spend on fashion and travel. I can’t keep out of 2A in Hyde Park and love shopping when overseas. I love fabulous hotels and stayed at the amazing Edition Hotel in London as well as the trendy Ace Hotel Shoreditch in New York earlier this year. I learn a lot — from how restaurants and hotels are run — that I can use in my own salons. What does style cost ?
Style is not always about mon- ey but it does help, but then money can’t always buy style. I love mixing luxury labels like Prada, Lanvin, Saint Laurent and Etro with chain-store items from Zara and Topshop. I’m a big sucker for luxury hotels and trendy restaurants! How do you balance work with play ?
My work is very hectic, but I love people and I’m totally passionate about what I do.
I cope with my busy life by meditating daily and attending the Transcendental Meditation Centre in Houghton and I couldn’t survive without my weekly reiki sessions with Liz Marshall. Any tips for aspiring youngsters ?
Hairdressing is an underrated industry open to everyone and it has so many possible avenues. Financially, hairdressing can be really rewarding and with the British City and Guilds qualification, available at the Carlton Hair Academy, the world really is your oyster.
I can truly say that wherever you live or whatever the economic prospects, there is always a need for hairdressers.