An icon asnwers: anthony mascolo
Robert Masciave of Metropolis in Kingston puts some probing questions to his hairdressing icon Anthony Mascolo.
Art is very present in our work, what is your favourite piece of art, be it architecture, painting, or music?
Battersea power station is my favourite building - it's iconic. It is so much part of London and it's near my home, so I see it regularly. I love all of Salvador Dali's paintings for their weirdness, and Michaelangelo's paintings for their detail. I love Leonardo Da Vinci's work for its sheer inventiveness. I'm a fan of action films like The Predator, which actually inspired me to create a hairstyle.
What is your favourite piece of nature?
Mountains, especially when they are covered in snow, they are so powerful and the shapes are incredible.
What is the essence of creating strong, commercial looks?
It requires planning, research, great models and a great team. The image I want to achieve is crucial, so the clothes often lead. I always say that I am not a creator of fashion but that I interpret fashion and create hairstyles that are part of the total image.
What are the biggest fears in your professional life?
I don't really have fears. When I left Toni & Guy after everything I'd done there, to work for TIGI was nerve-wracking, but having lived through that and managing to turn my focus to what I'm doing now, my fears have gone. As long as I've got a great team and the support of my wife, Pat, I'm happy.
What recent changes have taken place in your career?
In the last seven years my career has changed dramatically. I have taken a more active part in the business development of the company. I've also had to focus on launching brands, such as TIGI Colour, creating global advertising campaigns and growing a new international team. I find I do less hair these days, even less photography and my role is more about leading and directing, but that gives me great satisfaction too.
How would you describe the energy that drives you and where does it come from?
I'm not an early morning person, but when my brain gets into gear it goes fast! I am an ideas person and I like to be surrounded by others with whom I can bounce ideas. I never really switch off, there's always part of me that looks at how I can use new information for my work. I'm always open to new experiences.
Are you familiar with Personal Thinking Patterns? Would you say that the way you best perceive and learn information is visual, auditorial or kinaesthetic?
I'm definitely visual. My recall is visual and when I want to explain something I tend to draw it, whether it's to do with my work or getting some building work done. My thinking patterns led
me into photography and into making the films I use for our shows.
