Hairstylist's Guide: Chad Taylor, Paris

Working Backstage at Paris and New York Fashion Week
By Melissa Brazier and Tina Christopoulos

Born, raised and still living in Vancouver, Chad Taylor started his career in the beauty industry 16 years ago. Now the co-owner of Moods Hair Salon, Taylor is also building an international name for himself with a highly coveted side gig: working backstage at New York and Paris fashion weeks. Starting out in 2002 with just a couple of shows, Taylor now styles at about 13 shows per season in both cities. Having worked with lead hairstylists like Laurent Philippon, Guido Paulo and Orlando Pita, he and his partner have helped create the runway looks for a number of designers, including Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Givenchy, Michael Kors, Rick Owens (one of his favourites), Christian Dior and Marc Jacobs.

How did you get into doing runway work?
My partner and I met the designers from the label Heatherette and helped them out with a couple of national events. After that they invited us to do their show for New York Fashion Week.

Describe one of your favourite memories during one of your trips.
One of the funniest hair moments was during a show last season. The look of the hair was clean, beautiful and voluminous. Some models arrived from another show with paint-,gel-and glitter- filled hair. Our only option was to rinse and shampoo these girls, but there was no hot water. We couldn’t feel our hands and the models were requesting champagne to get through the torture. It all came together for the show though.

What do you love about going to Paris?
The Paris shows are some of the most inspiring for hair. Moreover, some of the venues the fashion shows are held in are very interesting and beautiful spaces like galleries, churches, a tent overlooking a historical park. I love travelling, both recreationally and for work. But travelling for work is a unique way to view a new city. We love to rent an apartment for the week of the shows to really get to know a neighbourhood, and we get suggestions from locals about their favourite dining spots and events.

Finish these sentences: When in Paris never…
…plug in your Canadian flat iron. And always… …translate the menu. And be sure to kiss both cheeks!