SALON PEACHY EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Stylist Gabriele Vigorelli Chats with Peachy Deegan!
Stylist Gabriele Vigorelli understands that clients require more than simply a "hair style." Gabriele sees beauty as both physical and spiritual, and therefore a client's own beauty is found in this inner/outer harmony. Gabriele's radical approach to hair is to incorporate his training as both a stylist and yogi, providing a remarkably holistic experience.
For Gabriele, styling is all about communication, and a relaxed, dynamic exchange between stylist and client enables the vital creative process. This method allows Gabriele to tap into a client's energy in order to gain an uncanny perception of who they are and the image they wish to portray. By combining his technical expertise with his willingness to see each client as a unique and complete individual, Gabriele provides every client with a highly personalized and versatile cut that is not constrained to a single look.
Gabriele's freelance career began in Milan over 30 years ago and has taken him across the globe. A listing of his collaborations is testimony to his level of craftsmanship: American, French and Italian Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, Patrick Demarchelier, Peter Lindbergh, Steven Meisel, Versace, Valentino, Donna Karan and Jil Sander.
In the last decade, Gabriele has switched his focus to in-salon work, bringing his talent to John Freida and now Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger. It is here that Gabriele is able to fully realize his mission of making each client look and feel good, a "beauty clarified."
Peachy Deegan interviewed Gabriele Vigorelli for Whom You Know.
Peachy Deegan: You are one of the more philosophical stylists we've met, and that is a
good thing. Please discuss your styling philosophies.
Gabriele Vigorelli:
When a client sits in my chair, they require more than simply a "hair style." I see beauty as both physical and spiritual; a client's own beauty is found in this inner/outer harmony. I incorporate my training as both a stylist and yogi, providing a holistic experience.
Styling is all about communication and is vital to the creative process. This method allows me to tap into a client's energy in order to gain a perception of who they are and the image they wish to portray. By combining my technical expertise with a desire to see each client as a unique and complete individual, I provide every client with a highly personalized and versatile style that is not constrained to a single look. I really love to make my client's feel and look sexy and beautiful.
[Here is the result on Peachy!
Do you have other artistic pursuits?
I am a painter and I love to work in mixed mediums. I love to do
anything creative... from making jewelry to cooking to painting and
drawing.. my passion stems from creative endeavors.
What do you think the best Italian restaurants are in New York and why?
Honestly, I cook fresh everyday and buy all my food from the organic
market. I go out less and less; but I do love the Lasagna Verde at Osteria Morini because it is made the way my mom used to make it in Italy.
What are your favorite Italian shoe designers and what do you like
about them?
Prada has eclectic designs and fit really well.
Tell us a good story about Carol Brodie. She has raved about you for
ages.
Every story about Carol is a good one because she creates great energy
around her.
We think Carol's jewelry line is just for women. If she made one for
men what would you wear from it?
Carol makes unisex jewelry... I have a diamond cross bracelet on onyx
beads from her; actually she has been getting a lot of press on these.
She just showed me a new line of "karma" bracelets for men. I would like her to also make a diamond buddah necklace.
What do you miss most about Italy?
The food; the art; the language; the color of the landscape; living in
the moment and enjoying the beauty of every day... it is the Italian
way.
What should Peachy Deegan add to her Italian vocabulary? Something
about hairstyling?
I miei capelli sono bellissimi [English translation: My Hair is Beautiful!]
What or who has had the most influence on your pursuit of excellence?
My parents showed me unconditional love and with that feeling I have
been able to achieve whatever I have set my heart on.
What are you proudest of and why?
I am most proud that I can live each day with purity, honesty and
integrity.
What would you like to do professionally that you have not yet had the
opportunity to do?
Teach yoga
What is your favorite place to be in Manhattan?
Central Park in the spring with the blooming trees and flowers.
What is your favorite shop in Manhattan?
Barney's for fashion and the organic market in Union Square for food
What is your favorite drink?
Moscato wine or fresh vegetable and fruit juices.
What is your favorite Manhattan book?
I read about philosophy; in Manhattan I like to pour through art books
at The Strand.
If you could have anything in Manhattan named after you what would it
be and why?
A healing center for children... there are too many children in
Manhattan who are suffering.
What has been your best Manhattan athletic experience?
Yoga at Ishta Yoga
What is your favorite thing to do in Manhattan that you can do nowhere
else?
Go to the Metropolitan Museum
What has been your best Manhattan art or music experience?
The Dalai Lama in Central Park
What do you personally do or what have you done to give back to the
world?
I emotionally, creatively and financially support those less fortunate.
What do you think is most underrated and overrated here?
Spirituality is highly underrated; restaurants are overrated.
Other than Salon Peachy of course, what is your favorite Whom You Know
column and what do you like about it?
They are all good because I always find out something new.
What else should Whom You Know readers know about you?
I am extremely private and you already know quite a bit.
How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers?
SDSH Salon -- 212 535 3519
