Rebel with a Cause: Christiaan, The Hairstylist Who Changed Everything

Jill sits with Christiaan, the legendary hairstylist who has shaped the beauty industry for over five decades. Known for creating iconic looks including Debbie Harry's signature shag and Grace Jones' striking flat top, Christiaan is also credited with inventing the revolutionary undercut years before it became mainstream. His distinguished career includes collaborations with renowned photographers Arthur Elgort, Peter Lindbergh, Richard Avedon, Irving Penn, and Mario Testino, while styling supermodels Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, and Linda Evangelista for leading publications like Vogue and Harper's Bazaar.

Christiaan's remarkable journey began in a small Dutch village, working in his father's barbershop, and led him through military service in the Marines to eventually becoming creative director at Bergdorf Goodman. His path to success was marked by pivotal moments and chance encounters that opened doors to working with influential fashion editors including Polly Mellon and Phyllis Posnick. The precision and discipline learned during his military service proved instrumental in developing his meticulous approach to hair artistry.

In this candid conversation, Christiaan discusses the evolution of beauty standards, his philosophy of prioritizing client comfort over fleeting trends, and his experiences working with fashion icons who revolutionized the industry. He offers insights into the creative process behind his most memorable work and reflects on how his approach to hair styling has contributed to changing perceptions of beauty and self-expression. The episode provides a comprehensive look at a career that has not only created stunning visual moments but has fundamentally influenced how we understand hair as an art form.

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