LINKS: EDITORIAL HAIR STYLIST JULIE BENNADJI, IN PARIS.
SCG Links aims to get inside the minds of some of the world’s greatest creatives. Each artist we have a tet-a-tet with links us to the next person we interview.
This morning we sat down with editorial and celebrity hairstylist Julie Bennadji, to discuss how she handles pressure on set and where she digs her inspiration from. Julie is based in Paris and has worked with Balmain, Amina Muaddi and Sita Abellan, just to name a few of the impressive client list she’s accumulated over her lifelong career.
Tell our fans a bit about yourself, career background and your art.
So, I was born in Marseille and grew up in the south of France. Being raised amongst the beautiful colors of this region’s landscape, I began to understand my passion for texture and colors very early in life. I found my way to express this love through the art of hairdressing.
I started working as a hairdresser at 14 years old, in my hometown and then took my chances and moved to Paris at 25. I collected tear outs of editorials and catalogues to train my eye and help express myself. This helped me get from the little salon where I started, all the way up to Balmain’s hair Studio.
For many years, I was the right arm of Balmain’s art director but now I work for myself, picking and choosing lots of different commissions.
I do celebrity hair dressing, art direction for campaigns and consulting for brands — anything linked to the luxury industry and hairdressing. I love exploring and challenging myself with new projects and seeing where I end up.
Amina Muaddi
What attracted you to choose the life of an artist, instead of an office career?
Freedom! And the belief that anything is possible, the only limit is in your head.
How does Paris factor into your work?
Paris « capitale de mode » as we say in French. Paris is the world’s capital of luxury and fashion. The energy and the continuous evolution in fashion is energising, and it keeps creative minds stimulated.
Who is your role model for work?
Odile Gilbert, she has so much respect in the industry. She is an icon. Also Sam Mcknight, Vidal Sassoon and Angelo Seminara — he’s the master of color.
Great choices. They’re all incredible creatives who’ve shaped the industry we know today. Who is your influence for style?
I would say fashion magazines are what I use to shape my own style, rather than people. From a very young age, I always loved reading the big, glossy fashion magazines. I’ve held a subscription to Vogue since I was 14.
Do you think style influences personality and can you read a person by their hairstyle?
Amina Muaddi
I would say the inverse is true, actually. Style is the reflection of our personality or mood. And we can’t judge anyone by their outfit, as one’s soul and their style are definitely not connected by any means.
Which blogs, magazines or social accounts do you look to for inspiration when you’re stuck?
In no particular order; Amina Muaddi; Gilda Ambrosio; Giorgia Tordini; Aureta; Sita.
What is the most high pressure aspect of your work and do you have any daily habits that help you to stay at the top of your game?
The highest pressure point is keeping control and always making the work happen, even if it initially seems impossible. And it’s extra pressure for me to perform an excellent job if I really respect the artist I’m styling — but that’s what I do. Meditation helps to keep me on track and relieve stress, and the gym is great for this as well. But I’m a big music addict, and my favourite way of letting go is by dancing all night with my friends.
Who is an artist from the West that you think deserves more attention in China?
Poppy, Soko and Sita
Is there any Chinese artist that you think deserves more attention in the West?
Laura Shang — I love it when she speaks French!
What advice would you give to your younger self, when you were just starting out in your career?
I wouldn’t advise myself anything! From all your life experiences you grow, you learn and you keep following your road. I am super happy now and my previous mistakes are the reason I am where I am today.
Caroline Vreeland
When we say China, what is it that you think about?
China is still a fantasy for Europeans, it seems so far away. I would love to know more about China.
Who do you link us to for the next interview and why?
The very talented makeup artist, Andreea Ali. I work with her often and I know she’s got some interesting words to say.
