Salon Stalker: Wonderland Beauty Parlor

Hairstylist Michael Angelo's work has been captured by photographers such as Steven Meisel, Mario Testino, Bruce Weber, and Inez and Vinoodh, and has appeared on the covers and in the pages of nearly every major fashion magazine, including Vogue, Elle, Allure, V and Numero. He has worked with celebrities, musicians, actors and supermodels, such as Susan Sarandon, Carmen Kass, Angella Lindvall, Dita von Teese, Brooklyn Decker and Beyoncé. Recently he transformed a meat packing district space into a glossy beauty playground. We asked him some questions about his salon, Wonderland Beauty Parlor.

amika: Love the concept for the salon fusing creativity and beauty in a playful way. What is the atmosphere like in the salon on a day to day basis? What can guests expect to see?

Michael Angelo: One of the most wonderful things about Wonderland is how much the atmosphere changes day to day and season to season. Wonderland's hair salon was built to serve everyone, not just models and celebs. Depending on the time and day you'll meet neighborhood moms, CEO's, producers, supermodels, artists & designers & musicians, and most exciting for me, beauty industry insiders, who seem to have a knack for feeding me all of the industry secrets : )

amika: The day we stopped by you were preparing for an art opening. Who do you show in your space?

Michael Angelo: The art on our walls varies seasonally, so you may see a show from Syracuse Uni's Printmaking Department on one visit and a series of vintage ice cream ads the next. It's constantly evolving which keeps me feeling inspired!

amika: What are some of the specialties that set this salon apart from others (besides the uber-talented staff of course)? Are there any signature services you offer?

Michael Angelo: What sets us apart is our understanding of personal style. It's not about just skillful cutting, coloring or making up. It's also about understanding our guests taste & lifestyle and directing their energy into finding a look that makes good sense for them. Whether that's the color of the moment or the most classical cut, we really strive to work with folks to develop their own allure.

amika: What are you customers asking for? Is there a request that is hot right now? Red hair? A fringe?

Michael Angelo: Reds are so hot right now. And short, boyish cuts that can be glammed up for evening. It's like being in the early 90's all over again! It's fun for me because that's really where my career began, and I know the references like the back of my hand. I'm waiting for a return of the supers! Linda, Christy, Claudia... Who will be the new "chosen ones"?

amika: What are some things that inspire you creatively right now?

Michael Angelo: 1960's Italian Cinema, old school Steven Meisel & Peter Lindbergh, lip stains, roller sets, Madonna's SEX book, and I've been obsessed by this blog http://vintagegal.tumblr.com/.

amika: Going to check out that Tumblr blog and revisit my Antonioni DVDs :-). Thanks for talking to us.

Stalker Faves: Top Stylists, Art Influence, They carry amika!


Wonderland Beauty Parlor
418 W. 13th
NY, NY 10014
212-524-2800

Salon Stalker: Graceland

Recently, we have become enchanted by Graceland Salon in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. We paid them a visit and talked to owner Corvette Hunt to learn more about this stylish, Hair Salon cum Tattoo Parlor.

Here's 411: When Corvette and his partners Bethany and Paul opened Graceland, they sought to create a boutique salon experience, "We hand picked each stylist for their specialty and designed our service around the concept that we offer new clients the perfect stylist matched to their hair needs. This is a very easy process, however it is a rare practice in many Salons." said Hunt.

They have six stylists, each with unique expertise.

Bethany - Master of the Man cut any era, classic to modern, any texture, facial hair much appreciated! Not only a cutter but expert eye for style and transformation.

Corvette - Absolutely hair texture obsessed. Long layers wavy, or straight, tousled or polished. Every piece of hair falls perfectly in place, enhancing facial features and bone structure... Supermodel!

Josh - Brilliantly combines barbering skills with hairdressing creating edgy and yet classic men's cuts. He is also a color expert and developed a personalized and highly popular baylayage highlighting technique!

Kimberly- She does gorgeous precision hair cutting, and highlights is responsible for many bombshell blondes!

Jenn - Brilliant colors are her specialty... She also does really fantastic modern short cuts on both men and women.

Julie - Does everything at lightning speed. Best rock and roll cutting on the block!

Where did the idea to have hair and tattoos in one salon come from?

The tattoo artists were our good friends. We were interested in the idea of sharing a creative space. The original idea was more focused on working environment and creative synergy, than a business plan idea.

When we did research for the idea we learned that some of the first tattoo artists in America secretly worked in the back of beauty parlors or barber shops, so actually it wasn't an entirely new concept.

Is there much of a difference between the environment in a Manhattan salon vs. Brooklyn?

More Space = more freedom. I feel some of the available locations for opening a business in Brooklyn are more ideal artistically. Opening our shop totally changed the aesthetic of the block. It is like having a business in SoHo in the 80's or Tribeca in the 90's - a lot of uncharted territory. The possibilities are limitless, but you really have to be on the very top of your game to bring your Manhattanites over that bridge with you. Its really exciting to see a lot of our friends doing the same thing.

What are some of your favorite cuts to do on women?

All cuts! Nothing is cliche, outdated or boring... As long as you make it sexy! Inspiration is in everything! Anybody who really wants custom, quality work finds us and stays with us.

I saw on a post online that you went on tour with Madonna. Do you have any antidotes from that experience? Anything Madge taught you about hair?

Ha! Yes, I've done two world tours with Madonna. I love her! The first thing that really affects you when you enter her team is that everyone is one thousand percent on their A game. Her work ethic is very infectious, you need to bring the same dedication that she does every day. I learned that everything is possible; if the idea is there, large amounts of hard work will make it happen.

Stalker Faves: Creative Energy, Custom Cuts, Rustic Antiquarian Decor

Graceland Brooklyn
677 Lorimer Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211
(718) 384-7677

Salon Stalker: Garren New York

Garren is one of the most sought after hairstylists in the industry. He has worked with the legendary photographers including Steven Meisel, Irving Penn, Michael Thompson and regularly contributes to magazines including Vogue, Italian Vogue, Allure, and W. If that wasn't enough, for over 30 years he has operated his own salon, Garren New York, a mainstay on 5th Avenue. He counts the world's most stylish celebrities Madonna, Naomi, Linda Evangelista, and Scarlett Johansson as well as discerning beauty insiders and editors among his clients.

Garren New York is nestled on the Mezzanine of the Sherry-Netherland Hotel, a luxury hotel and residence, home to celebs including Diane Ross. Behind double mirrored doors, the salon feels small and intimate, a collection of rooms designed around the particular services offered. There is a nook with hair sinks equipped with Shiatsu massage chairs, a hall flanked by elegant dressing rooms with mirrored walls, a cutting room of only 8 stations, a color area with just 3 chairs and a private room for manicures and pedicures. The decor is elegant with brass, rosewood and marble architectural elements and mid-century modern furniture. The atmosphere is intimate and small, a feat for any NYC salon let alone one of such prestige. The emphasis here seems to be on real luxury and quality services not pretension.

Few beauty professionals can count so many accomplishments as Garren- a prestigious editorial career, a star-studded roster of clients, a successful product line, a talented team. When we asked what sets Garren New York apart from other salons (other than the team of ultra-talented stylists on staff) they said it is the attention to detail. Garren is always striving for perfection. Also while they are conscious of trends that is certainly not the focus. They get to know their clients and create a look that suited for the women alone, her face, her personality, her personal style.

Stalker Faves: Impeccable Decor, Unparalleled Hair Makeovers

Garren New York
781 5th Ave
New York, 10022
(212) 841-9400

Garren is known for executing iconic makeovers:

When Victoria Beckham wanted a change, Naomi suggested she see Garren and he gave her her a perfect pixie cut:



He also gave Oprah an unforgettable sultry look for her Vogue Cover in 1998:



Most recently, he styled Kim Kardashian for the September 2010 Allure Cover, where she looked exquisite, more classic Italian film star than Hollywood glamazon:

Salon Stalker: Deluxe Salon Brooklyn

We love hair. So naturally, we love salons! Each week we will profile a new hair hot spot in NYC. Our first stop: Deluxe Salon in Brooklyn.

Deluxe sits on a populated yet calm corner of Williamsburg at Roebling and N. 4th Streets. Two oversize doors open up the space on either side allowing sunshine and breezes to flow in. The open layout creates a cool atmosphere especially this time of year when it begins to heat up and we all can't wait to get outside. It also makes for some entertaining people-watching while enjoying services.

We had a chance to talk to Joy the owner of the salon. Deluxe has been operating for about 7 years. She said the team is composed of chill group of highly trained stylists minus the attitude. Their specialties: really awesome blow outs and they know how to cut with a razor, properly. The have a full range of services and do as many male clients as they do female. All of the stylists are working on set as well as in the salon, they do editorial work for magazines including Oakazine and Working Class.

We inquired about what NYC girls are asking for in terms of styles and services now. According to Joy, her clients are looking for a hair look that is not overdone but is polished. They also want something that doesn't take ages to style. We can relate and are always looking for tricks to streamline our morning hair routine.

Overall the space has a relaxed atmosphere and great feedback from clients online. Check it out!

Stalker Faves: Beautiful space. Great Vibe. Open 7 days a week. Complimentary bang trims.

Deluxe Salon
211 N. 4th Street at Roebling
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
718-387-2970
Deluxe on Facebook