World-renowned Hair Stylist Kevin Murphy: These Will Be the Hot Trends Next Year!
It’s impossible to make an appointment with him, and he’s not taking new clients. Kevin Murphy, the famous hair stylist, came to Prague to shoot a promotional campaign at the luxury hair salon, Stolen, in the Smíchov district of Prague. This was his fourth time in the heart of Europe, and despite his packed schedule, he found a few minutes to give an interview to Luxury Prague Life, in which, besides talking about next year’s trends, he also told us a little about himself.
What surprised you the most about Prague?
Definitely the architecture and all the history that you’ve got in Prague. It was amazing how old everything is, because we don’t have that in Australia. Australia is only hundred and fifty years old.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I find inspiration everywhere. I think all you have to do is keep your eyes open.
What is the biggest obstacle on your way to success?
Ah, I think having people, trying to make people believe in you is the biggest obstacle, because sometimes it’s hard to get people to understand what you’re talking about.
What are the next year trends and hair colours for women?
Anything with a touch of red and unnatural. Anything that has a bit of warmth to it and anything that’s a bit off-kilter.
What about men? Is the beard still trendy, or is it out?
Well, I’m not a big fan of beards sort of thing. I quite like a clean shave and I think it’s still that everyone’s got one. Um, I think it might be on the way out, but I still think it’s here for a little while to stay so….
Why do you sell Kevin Murphy via professionals in beauty salons and what is the disadvantage to buy it without consultation on-line?
Well, I think that every woman is different and every hair, no two heads are the same. So, I think that a lot of people will purchase a product that may not be right for them. We’re very specific with our products and we’re very detailed on what the products are for. So, without a consultation, I don’t think you’re going to get all of the benefits that you could out of the products.
Why do you come back for your photo-shooting to Czech Republic?
Ah, one: the models because the models are really beautiful. Two: they have great locations. There’s a thriving film industry in Prague and we get to take advantage of the great locations and the great models.
What is the most difficult at the work on hairstylist?
I think the most difficult thing is probably understanding the client’s needs.
Name three things you cannot imagine your life without.
Um, well one my partner. One, my hands sort of thing, because I wouldn’t be able to do anything. And being able to reserve an aeroplane flight online.
This is your fourth time here, but what motivated you to even visit the Czech Republic in the first place?
I have friends here. I’d already traveled throughout Europe, and I never visited Prague. My friends Craig and Lucy invited me, and because I just happened to be in Europe at the time, I came.
What are your customers like? Do they tell you how to cut their hair, or simply let you work and leave the result literally up to you?
I think my clients want me to tell them what's going to look good on them. They just say: Do it so I look good and I do that. I'm happy with that and they are too.
Is it hard to get an appointment with you?
Yes. Impossible. (laughter)
How far in advance is your planner booked up?
I'm not taking new clients on anymore. I don’t even have that planner, but I have a lot of work.
What do you do when you are not working?
I don’t know, I work all the time.
What do you like?
I have no hobbies, I would say my hobby is my job. Travel is my job, so I like when I can actually stay home.
Can you imagine living somewhere other than Australia?
For a while I lived in New York and in England. But I think I'd like to go back to London if I had the opportunity
Why London? It’s cold, rainy…
I have pale skin, I don’t tan. In London there’s something for everyone, I like the noise there.
Prague is famous for having the best beer in the world. Do you like it?
Yes, yes. That’s true. I didn’t used to like beer, but from the time I’ve been coming here, I drink it, without knowing it’s Czech. But it’s very good and I like it. Usually, I don’t have an opportunity to drink beer, but here I do, and I’m looking forward to having some.
Do you already have plans for another trip to Prague?
To be honest, I’m not sure yet. Maybe next year, when I’m doing another campaign. But my schedule is really packed. What’s more, Australia is really far, a thirty-hour flight, so I can’t just jump on a plane and come over.
