Coco Before Chanel

Another noteworthy, probably barely seen, amazing movie. Coco, Before Channel tells the tale of the world's most elegant woman. English subtitles do not detour you from enjoying this amazing movie. In fact it almost makes me want to learn French. I soon realize Gabrielle's (Coco Chanel) true genius is not her ability to create, but rather her ability to edit. Chanel had an amazing understanding of what didn't work, what wasn't necessary and ultimately inappropriate. She invented elegance by disposing of over indulgence and re-invented what it meant to be fashionable.

"Developing your eye, learning to identify what does not belong is far more useful than learning how to do the haircut of the moment".

So often people see hairdressers as some kind of great creationists, crafting haircuts from scratch. Developing your eye, learning to identify what does not belong is far more useful than learning how to do the haircut of the moment. There is nothing creative, nothing special about learning how to do a bob, long layers or a shag. A brilliant hairdresser knows how to see past the obvious, how to edit out what does not belong and then leaving behind something special. Like Coco, unapologetically, I have no room in my head to overindulge in the status quo. I will spend my time editing my work, knowing full well I will never have everything just right.

A long road...

This week, we the employees of The Edge On Wellness had to say goodbye to two and a half years of blood, sweat and tears.

The week started out like any other. I was pulled aside shortly after starting my day on Thursday and given the worst news: The Edge would be undergoing remodeling and repositioning, we were no longer needed. We were to be out of the salon by the end of the week. Tom had told me there is nothing we could have done, "We just didn't have a strong enough winter". I have always looked forward to new beginnings but this one was bitter- sweet. We liked working at The Edge. There may have been plenty wrong but there was plenty right - friendly staff, clean salon and plenty of resources.

But as they say, as one door closes, a new one opens and a new adventure awaits us. Before that post, a few thank you's. First and foremost, to Tom Stafford; thank you for the opportunity, friendship and support. It will not be forgotten. Thank you Carmen, for the clean and calm atmosphere. To all of my coworkers, thank you for your perseverance and your loyalty. Those who stayed until the end are true to their word and that is more honorable than anything. Rest in peace, Edgelings.

Mark-
(former) Creative Director, The Edge On Wellness

If you haven't seen "The September Issue", you should. The movie is a documentary about the editor at large for Vogue Magazine. The funny thing about the film, for me, is that the main character was the least inspiring. Instead, I was drawn to a woman by the name of Grace Coddington. She is the Creative Director and as such, responsible for many of the wonderful images you see in Vogue. As the movie ends, your mind swimming with ideas, you're given one more push by Grace herself. She looks right through the camera, into your soul and states -

"If you don't have a record of your work, it's not really worth doing, is it?"

This is my first attempt at something memorable, my record. Aryn is a high school student and I'm a hairdresser. She is not a professional model and I am not a professional photographer. However, after much laughter we found a small creative window and were able to capture a few images. This is the first I have edited. I think it looks good, but I would love any feedback or advice as I attempt to capture more of my work. Thank you to Aryn for allowing me to practice my craft and thank you Ashley for helping me. I will post more pictures soon.

Mark-

Kind words

A new client took the time to compliment me after her haircut; she wrote:

"Mark, just want to say thank you so much for all your time. I LOVE MY HAIRCUT, I LOVE MY HAIRCUT, I LOVE MY HAIRCUT!!!! This is the first time that someone has used a razor on my hair and didn't destroy it - I'm impressed you really know how to use that tool. I appreciate the time you took to consult and understand me. I'm so happy, I can't wait for the color. I just really enjoyed the overall experience, thank you so much, it really meant a lot to me. See you soon..." - Lisa Barton

Thank you Lisa and to every one of my clients. Without you, nothing is possible!

Mark-

My hero

Michael Gordon is ready to share with us 3+ years of his work; featuring the life of one of the most influential hairdressers of all time.

I am so excited for this.

Thank you to all of my heros.

To my clients... this is why I do what I do.

Ashley's Extensions

I don't know how she did it... but she totally deserves it! Ashley, my assistant, talked me into giving her extensions this week and I think she looks great! Not just because I did the work, but because she has been working so hard. She has been working out like a mad woman and it's starting to show. Of course, you need to have hot hair to go with the hot bod! I think Ashley has been doing such a great job personally and professionally, and I was flattered to facilitate her killer hair do.

Keep up the great work, Smasher!

One Hot Tamale

Natalie,

You crack me up! Not only are you very pretty and have amazing hair, you also make me laugh at every visit. I turned on my camera and you turned on your charm. Obviously you've had your picture taken before, which is great for me. So many people are camera shy. Thank you for being so photogenic and my muse!

Hugs,

Mark-