Tony Masciangelo

Tony Masciangelo is one of Canada’s top editorial stylists, but how did he land his premier status? Alison McGill gets up close and personal with the superstar.

By Alison McGill

Tony Masciangelo is one of Canada’s top editorial stylists, but how did he land his premier status? Alison McGill gets up close and personal with the superstar.

Daria, Lisa Cant, Heather Marks and Liisa Winkler are just a few of the supermodels you’ll find in Tony Masciangelo’s portfolio; ladies he’s primped and preened for magazines including Flare, FASHION, FQ, Elle Canada, Weddingbells and Vanity Fair. “Having these girls in my book is one of the most rewarding things about my job,” Tony smiles. “Being on set with amazing models, photographers and magazine editors definitely has its glam moments, but it’s certainly not all glamour. It’s unbelievably intense work, and to be successful, you need to do it because you absolutely love it.”

When I met with the Toronto-based Masciangelo (who’s represented by the artist agency Plutino Group) to chat about his career, he’d just returned from back-to-back trips to Dublin and Lake Louise, working on jobs for Harry Rosen and Flare, respectively. He tells me both gigs were brilliant, the photos fabulous, but also that life on the road can be tiring, especially when you’re in the throes of opening a new business. An 18-year industry veteran, Masciangelo will open The Alcorn Salon, his first venture into salon ownership (he co-owns The Alcorn with Darren Z. and Jed Puznak, who’s also his life partner) in late September. “We are so excited,” Tony says. “The Alcorn is all about good hair, enjoyed in a luxe, low-key environment.”

So what makes this style star tick? He spills his secrets in this candid Q&A.

How do you balance your demanding career?
“I’ve spent most of my career working on photo sets, all of it behind the chair, and I wouldn’t change that—it’s what keeps me fresh and grounded. Every day I’m behind the chair, I get to practise and evolve my style. The salon is my mothership. It has everything I need and it’s a place where I feel very at home.”

What inspires you?
“I look at magazines, but I never rely on them to stoke my creativity. If it’s in print, it’s been done, and I always strive to deliver a unique vision. I’m a huge art lover and have been known to draw inspiration for hair from shapes in paintings I love. I read and I travel a lot and find lots of inspiration from the places I go.”

You’re not just a hairstylist, but a makeup artist, too. When did you start doing makeup?
“It’s something I’ve basically always done. When I started shooting, I realized I had a total vision for my pictures and doing my own makeup made sense. It became an integral part of my branding because it set me apart from other artists. Today magazines want people who can do both because it saves time and money.”

Define your style.
“Typically, I’m the go-to-guy for soft, structured hair, rock ’n’ roll looks and gorgeous, milky skin!”

Favourite place you’ve travelled to?
“Paris. I am addicted to macaroons from Ladurée and I love shopping around the Passage de l’Industrie area because it’s packed with hair supply stores where you can pick up some amazing things.”

What was your first big editorial break?
“It was a story for Chatelaine with Canadian model Lorca Moore. I was on top of the world the day I got the call!”

Beauty musts while on set?
“For hair, L’Oréal Elnette Supreme Hold hairspray, Davines Volume Mousse and my Mason Pearson brush. For makeup, my secret moisturizer, Giorgio Armani foundation and volumizing mascara.”

Any advice for stylists wanting to be the next Tony Masciangelo?
“It’s all about the hustle. You’ve got to be savvy about branding yourself and be a service-oriented, hard-working professional. It’s that simple. When things start happening, consider joining an agency that will manage and promote you. Agents are the people magazines typically deal with to find their shoot talent.”

Check a video interview with Tony