The meeting is at 5 rue Aubriot, in Paris. A quiet street in the Marais preserved from the tumult of Paris, and yet emblematic, because Helmut Newton shot a series of photos there in 1975 for Vogue Paris. Out of sight behind an imposing carriage entrance, and hidden in a pretty tree-lined courtyard, this confidential address is a well-kept secret among insiders. It is here that Etienne Sekola decided to open an absolutely unique place, which is unlike any other salon in the world. And for good reason: the famous hairdresser has set up shop in the heart of a designer gallery. In this former apartment of a 17th century mansion, between signed objects, cutting-edge furniture and artist lighting, the feeling of landing in a cotton cocoon is immediately striking. “A no-brainer!” for Etienne who took more than 2 years, and 52 visits, to unearth this setting. “When you open the door to the salon, people open up. We could even say that they free themselves. From the first day, I was driven by the desire to find a welcoming space that would allow them to reveal their identity through their hair” adds the hair stylist. But beyond a very beautiful address with a singular aesthetic, Etienne Sekola's salon is also the essential place where creation and hairdressing meet. As a true artistic director, Etienne has a panoramic vision of everything that the creative world offers. Music, with his past as a producer. Jewelry, with its jewelry brand MAYL (acronym for Make Art Your Life… That says a lot about its creator!). Fashion, with shows and magazine shoots. And finally, the 7th art, because Etienne Sekola is the favorite hairdresser of all the greatest actors in French cinema. It is not uncommon to come across them at the salon. Like Pierre Niney, Leïla Bekhti, Adèle Exarchopoulos, François Civil… Or even Léa Seydoux, who gave him carte blanche a few years ago for his short film, in full promotion of James Bond No Time to Die. It must be said that Etienne has a unique way – in his image – of preparing and working with the hair fiber. “After several years alongside David Mallett, my mentor, I wanted to go back to the basics of each of my hairstyles, and not just the cut.” he explains to us. And it is here, among other things, that lies the singularity of his method, carefully distilled by Etienne and his team. After applying a conditioner to the lengths to prevent excessive opening of the scales, a cleansing formula is massaged into the scalp. It will be followed by a mask, or not, depending on the nutritional needs of each person. Then comes the time to sit down for the haircut, in front of a large mirror and in one of the armchairs custom-designed by Etienne. Here too, the magic of nature operates. Each stroke of the scissors, a subtle balance between technique and emotion, shapes the architecture of the hairstyle strand by strand. A tailor-made hairstyle, created instantly just for you, and perfectly respecting the personality and natural fall of each person's hair. Much more than a simple appointment at the hairdresser, walking through the door of Etienne Sekola's salon, and letting yourself be guided by him or his team, is a truly immersive experience that completely redefines the codes, however well established, of the sector hairdressing.
To make an appointment with Etienne and his team.
