EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH CHARLES TERRENCE HALL OF HOMMAGE! Whom You Know Presents a Rare Interview in Our Most Populated Column, Product Alert, with an Influential Member of Our Most Favorite Men's Skincare Line, Hommage!!!

An expert in skincare, cosmetics and the spa market, Charles Terrence Hall is a well-known consultant and business development advisor to the beauty industry.  Hall’s extensive knowledge comes from more than 25 years in the beauty industry, in the United States, Europe and Asia.

Classically trained in France at the Guerlain Institut de Beaute in Paris and in Switzerland at the world renowned Clinic LaPrarie in Montreux, Hall has held key positions in some of the world’s preeminent international beauty companies.

Hall held the position of Business Development and Communication for Decleor, a highly regarded French Aromatherapy manufacturer.  He also served as Director of Corporate Communications and Education for the House of Guerlain, traveling the world with “Guerlain Institut on Tour”. As Director of Sales for La Prairie, he successfully transitioned the move of corporate headquarters from Switzerland to New York City.  Bravo!  Whom You Know of course supports Manhatttan.

Previously, he held the post of Director of Special Events for Revlon’s Designer Division. Hall had the opportunity to work internationally with many designers and celebrities, including Halston, Bill Blass, and Gianfranco Ferre.  He was also responsible for all celebrity personal appearance activity, including Cindy Crawford for Halston and Claudia Schiffer for Guess.

Hall has successfully demystified the ritual of beauty and personal care for thousands of people across the country, creating programs to educate both consumers and industry professionals on the principles of effective skincare, the proper application of cosmetics and the artistry of fragrance.

His frequent appearances in America’s finest stores have made him a favorite with both consumers and retailers on the special event, lecture and consumer workshop circuits.  He has also appeared frequently on QVC and HSN, representing such prestigious clients as Escada and Guerlain.

As an industry consultant, Halls’ clients have included Borghese, Clarins, Estee Lauder, Elizabeth Arden, Orlane and Cornelia.  His areas of expertise include sales promotion, communications (media and public relations), education, esthetics and the spa industry.

Additionally, he was Vice President of Business Development for Peter Thomas Roth Clinical Skincare and June Jacobs Spa Collection, leading the brands to 5 years of rigorous growth and placing them in twenty international markets.

Hall is currently VP Sales & Marketing for Hommage, a luxury brand of shave equipment and grooming products. The first Hommage Atelier will be opening this Fall in Manhattan, with additional locations scheduled worldwide.

Hall resides in Manhattan and is an adjunct faculty member at The Laboratory Institute of Merchandising.  We are so pleased to present Charles Terrence Hall of Hommage to you in this Product Alert Interview Exclusive.

Peachy Deegan interviewed Charles Terrence Hall for Whom You Know.

Peachy Deegan: What inspired you to become part of the beauty/handsomeness industry? 

Charles Terrence Hall: Since childhood, I have had a keen interest in appearance and well-being.  I brought up to believe that looking one's best was essential and not at all a matter of vanity, but rather "taking care of oneself", along with exercise, proper diet and a positive outlook.

Do you think it should be called the beauty industry when it comes to men's products?  

I think "well-being"  or "good grooming" are more appropriate where men are concerned.

How has this industry changed the most since you joined it?  
My entire career, more than 25 years, has been spent in this industry and I have witnessed enormous changes.  Years ago the industry was dominated by a few giant companies and their major brands.  In the past 15-20 years we have seen the emergence of a wide array of specialty and niche brands, all with their special uniqueness and specificity.  The growth of the men's grooming market has been tremendous, as well the emergence of the spa industry.

How has being a faculty member at The Laboratory Institute of Merchandising impacted your everyday career in the industry?  
I love staying in touch with students.  They are the future executives of this industry and always have a fresh, original point of view.

Do you learn anything from your students, and if so, what do you learn from them? 

To keep an open mind and a pulse on emerging trends.

If we were in your class, what would we learn?  
Hopefully, to love this industry.  It has given me such an amazing career, allowed me to travel the world and meet fascinating people.  I would like students to know that, with passion, they can follow the same path.

We love Hommage and you are the FIRST men's brand to be highlighted in an exclusive interview.  What makes Hommage excel in your eyes?  And skin!  

I have worked with the finest luxury brands through-out my career so I have set the bar pretty high.  Hommage products not only meet consumer expectations, but exceed them.  We hear constantly from our clients regarding how much they enjoy the efficacy and performance of the skin and shave products, and how they enjoy the excellent design of the shaving equipment.  Hommage has a real commttment to excellence, performance and client satisfaction.  And luxury!  We are thrilled to work with the top retailers in New York, Bergdorf-Goodman and Barney's in offering Hommage to their discerning clients. In addition to offering our treatments at The Sense Spa at The Carlyle and The Setai Spa on Broad Street, you will also find Hommage at top luxury resorts and hotels across the U.S.

Of all of the beauty companies you have worked with, what stands out about each one in your opinion? 

I have been fortunate to work with companies that had top-flight research and development capabilities, enabling them to look towards "what's next" in skincare technology.

If you were stranded on a desert island with unlimited supply of 3 Hommage products, what would they be and why?  

Three indispensable items would be Hommage Shave Emollient: Relieve (fantastic for super sensitive skin), Hommage Face Cleanser: Purify (immaculate, well-balanced skin is vital to any regime) and my beloved Verona travel razor...elegance to go!

If you were stranded on a desert island with unlimited supply of 3 products that are not Hommage, what would they be and why? 

Bottled water, sunglasses and my Blackberry would top the list.

What or who has had the most influence on your pursuit of excellence?  
The icons that literally created this industry, Helena Rubenstein, Estee Lauder, Elizabeth Arden and Charles Revson.  I had the pleasure of meeting each of them.  I have also been blessed with amazing mentors along the way.


What are you proudest of and why?  
The longevity of my career in a very competitive industry and having always worked with the top luxury brands.

What would you like to do professionally that you have not yet had the opportunity to do?  

Open Hommage Ateliers worldwide.  We plan to have our first up and running in New York this fall, with others to follow.  It is a very exciting concept.  [Insert from Whom You Know: Peachy is excited!  She loves these products so much she uses them although of course she is not a man!] Hommage Atelier will provide a posh oasis for men to be groomed with the finest products by the most talented staff.  It will definitely be a place to linger ad we will offer a fabulous membership program.

What should more women be doing in their beauty regimen that many many not do?  

It's sad to say that many do not have a consistent regimen, sleep in their make-up, etc.  A program should be simple enough and pleasurable enough to want to do consistently.  Cleanse the skin, avoid the sun, drink lots of water...the basics!

What should more men be doing in their beauty regimen that many many not do?  
The same rules apply for men.  Keep the skin properly cleansed and moisturized.  Of course, men have the additional complication of shaving and Hommage offers the very best solutions!


What else should Whom You Know readers know about you? 
I practice what I preach and love what I do!


How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers? 
charles@hommage.com


Thank you Charles & Hommage!