Space 2018

YOU’VE GOT THAT VIBE
MATTHEW DISCUSSES THE LOOK
AND FEEL OF HIS OTHER SALONS
MATTHEW CURTIS HAIR, STRATFORD-UPON-AVON
“OUR FLAGSHIP SALON SEES STEAMPUNK MEET SHABBY
CHIC FOR THE ULTIMATE IN PARED BACK ELEGANCE AND
CHARM. A FAVOURITE FEATURE IS THE METAL GRATE ON
THE STAIRWELL – WHEN SOMEONE GETS MARRIED WE
ASK THEM TO PUT A PADLOCK ON IT AND SIGN IT, LIKE
ON THE PONT DES ARTS BRIDGE IN PARIS.”
immersive and manages to transport you to another time and
place,” he says.
The duo faced the challenge of combining old-school
glamour with functionality. “The styling chairs, reclining chair
and backwash all came from WBX Europe, but the upholstery
is entirely unique to the salon, sourced from Malone fabrics
and features personalised embroidery on the back,” Matthew
explains. The grooming mirror, cabinetry, shelving unit and
salon trolleys were made to Judy’s design by furniture maker
Nicholas Hewetson.
Matthew always had to remain aware of the tight space – but
he was able to use this as an opportunity to get inventive. “Some
of my favourite design features are the ones that showcase the
creativity and inventiveness necessary to maximise space,”
he says. “The wall-mounted luggage racks provide a practical
storage solution while adding to the theme and an adapted
steamer trunk functions as our colour bar.”
The salon looks incredible inside but it still has to fight to
stand out in one of the most exciting and constantly-changing
cities in the world. For Matthew, it could never be a case of style
over substance – he ensures that his service is worthy of its
setting: “We have created a special space, it evokes being looked
after in First Class or in a private member’s club – it feels about
as luxurious and personalised as it gets.”
MATTHEW CURTIS HAIR RETREAT AT HOAR CROSS
HALL SPA HOTEL, STAFFORDSHIRE
“OUR VISION WAS TO CREATE AN ART DECO-THEMED
SALON THAT EVOKES OLD HOLLYWOOD. AS A REGULAR
CATWALK STYLIST IN THE US, I CAN’T HELP BEING
DRAWN TO THAT GLAMOUR. THE PINNACLE OF OUR
DESIGN HAS GOT TO BE THE BLOW-DRY CHAMPAGNE BAR.”
MATTHEW CURTIS HAIR, CHIPPING NORTON
“THIS SALON IS FOR A NEW CLIENTELE LOOKING TO
EXPERIENCE THAT NYLON MAGAZINE VIBE IN A COUNTRY
SETTING. THE BACKWASH AREA HAS A SECRET: A
STUNNING PANEL BY TIMOROUS BEASTIES OF AN
EXOTIC TROPICAL PRINT, FOR CLIENTS TO GAZE AT
DURING THEIR SHAMPOO.”
S P A C E | 21