Chris Appleton
photo credit: Michele Laurita // Stylist: Oretta Corbelli // Styling by: Versace and Fendi
Chris Appleton is a multi-hyphenate artist, personality, and entrepreneur, best known for being the top celebrity hairstylist. His career as a world-renowned conceptual hair stylist has secured him global ambassadorships with the likes of Schwarzkopf and Shark Beauty. Chris is also the Global Creative Director for Color Wow, further solidifying himself as the top hairstylist working today. We spoke to Chris about career advice, getting more involved in fashion, selfcare and how he chooses which brands to align with.
1. What’s one piece of advice you wish you had received earlier in your career, and how would it have shaped your journey? It’s actually a double sided coin; I received advice to not be so hard on myself which at times I agree with but then again, I believe being so hard on myself has gotten me to where I am today
2. How do you keep up with emerging trends while staying true to your own creative style? I try not to follow trends, but take inspiration from old and new and make them my own. Fortunately with the people I work with, there are a lot of eyes and it tends to set a trend but it really comes down to the person I am working with and making them look and feel their best.
3. How do you manage the pressure of working on high-profile projects, especially when working with celebrity clients? It doesn’t matter who I am working with whether it’s Kim Kardashian or Mrs. Jones in the salon, when I am in work mode I don’t feel pressure I feel the need to make them look and feel great.
4. We’ve been seeing more of you at fashion shows. How do you choose which shows you want to attend? What’s your favorite part about attending fashion shows? I attend shows that are in line with my aesthetic. My favorite part is seeing the production and creativity on stage, there is nothing like the excitement of a show. It’s been an exciting journey to assisting back stage to sitting front row. My collaboration with T ommy Hillfiger is something I am really proud of. It's been great to work with such a family based fashion house.
5. You recently keyed your first fashion show too - Ottolinger for Paris Fashion Week. Is that something you would like to do more of? What was your favorite part about being part of the creative for a fashion show? It’s a 360 I started off assisting and now keying, but it’s like riding a bike, it’s easy to get back into it. I love the excitement of creating a look that’s represented across 30 models to really make an impact.
6. What do you look for when aligning yourself with brands, be it for an ambassadorship or becoming a creative director? What advice would you give others who are looking to partner with brands? I need to believe in it, it’s that simple. I need to want to put my name and energy behind a brand and I think that would be the best advice to give others. I know the idea of receiving a check is tempting but it will hurt your brand in the long run if you do something just for the money. I am also a very loyal person, I really like to evolve with my brand partners and grow with them.
7. You seem to take great care of your skin. What are some of your skincare tips for men? One of my biggest is sunscreen, obviously being British I had to learn that the hard way living in LA. I also drink a lot of water, it really helps my skin, love LeMer
8. What do you do with your time when you’re not working? I hang with out with my dog Dash and my kids creating memories with them
9. What does tomorrow mean to you? The opportunity to start again and evolve.