Frédéric Fekkai took the New York hair world by storm when he landed in town from his native France in the late ’80s and set up his eponymous brand, with a long list of celebrity clients fighting to get into his chair, while fashion weeks and red carpet opportunities soon came calling. Now, the brand is going back to its roots as it celebrates its 35th anniversary.
Fekkai is launching its first-ever professional ambassador program, tapping hairstylists Jenny Cho, Marissa Marino, Lona Vigi, Graham Nation and Marty Harper for The Fekkai Five Collective. The idea is that the fivesome will represent Fekkai at various events such as the Met Gala and the Grammys when the opportunity arises, as well as at fashion weeks and on shoots.
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“As we celebrate our 35th anniversary, we are embracing the chance to reflect on the past of the brand, as well as my own career,” said Fekkai. “Fekkai was born out of my salon-to-studio expertise, and the Fekkai Five Collective personifies just that: a nod to the past, and a celebration of the future of the brand. Together, they also represent the next 35 years of Fekkai and beyond: masters that continue to redefine the conversation around style, fashion and individuality.”
Handpicked by Fekkai himself, the brand stressed that each stylist represents an individual mastery, from celebrity red carpet and backstage fashion, to cutting and editorial expertise, to trend forecasting and creativity.
Marino began as an assistant for Ken Paves, and has grown into one of the most sought-after stylists in the industry with a client list including Selena Gomez, Renee Rapp and Ellen Pompeo. Cho started her career with Vidal Sassoon in the Academy, and then as an instructor, and now works with the likes of Jennifer Lawrence, Scarlett Johansson and Kristen Wiig. Vigi began in photography, and later moved into hair, with Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman and Drew Barrymore on her roster. Nation was also trained by Paves and has carved out a niche working with young Hollywood and influencers, including Alix Earle and Emma Chamberlain. And Harper is known for his work on various editorial brand campaigns and multifaceted approach to styling. Clients include Halsey, Emma Chamberlain, Zendaya and Sara Sampaio.
“This is really a strategic move for us to go back to the heritage of the roots of the brand of red carpet, behind the scenes, all the shoots and styling, all the things that Frédéric used to do back in the day and bring it to another level,” added Kopiasz, chief executive officer of Fekkai. “This ambassador program is a continuation of our founder Frédéric’s legacy and impact of hair’s connection between fashion, celebrity, culture and lifestyle.”
Fekkai’s flagship salon is located on the Upper East Side of New York City, at the Mark Hotel. The product collection ranges from shampoos and conditioners to signature treatment masks and styling products.
