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@robertlobetta DEREK ELVY Buoy Salon and Spa, Wellington When did you start hairdressing? 40 years ago. This year also coincides with the 30th anniversary of Buoy Salon and Spa.
What has been the biggest change over the past four decades? In the 70's, it was the ambiguity of identity. The music industry ruled, the smoke and perfume of love and peace pervaded. Satin and tat and all that is Bowie and his influence. The 80's was all about experimentation to the extreme, and there was also a romantic face of fashion and graduate designer brands. Punk and anti- establishment was too volatile for me to find attractive. Also, there was a lot of social and financial change on a global scale; if you weren't in their company, you were somewhat overlooked. In the 90's, it was all about the marketing of the 'Super Model', propelled by party drugs, and cloned behaviour was deemed as acceptable. The 2000's were all about celebrity and gratuitous marketing ruled. And today, fashions come and go like night and day. Thankfully, we are moving towards a more responsible, sustainable and aware period. What would you never do again? I have never considered myself a colourist or technician. The process does not engage me at all, and I struggle when what is in my 'mind's eye' is not achieved.
What styles are your clients asking for in the salon? The accessibility of social media has given the client more information than ever. Sure, you will be garnered with the accolade if you can reproduce populous choice. Ultimately, women dress to impress other women, men are the accessory.
What is still your greatest challenge after years in the business? I have learnt the hard way. Your business needs to be sustainable and provide outcomes that are market-ready, have a culture and identity, and a sense of belonging.
“The accessibility of social media has given the client more information than ever.”
Who is your muse? British hairstylist Robert Lobetta. I have always favoured protagonists and this is what I have tried to communicate myself in sharing the message. Also, stylist Yoshi Su, who was an apprentice at Buoy, and has gone on to enjoy international notoriety for creating images that are complex and provocative, timeless and gracious. I love his mind and daring. What advice do you find yourself giving young up and coming stylists? Keep it simple. You have a set of senses, use them wisely.
What about this career still makes you smile. The luxury of finding a place of belonging; not in the limelight, not as a weapon of choice, but an industry where I can ‘just be me' and shed some enriched light on the possibilities. HEADWAY.NET.NZ 20
HW17_AUTUMN_HAIR_Stylist Muse.indd 2
10/03/17 1:46 PM