Head case

PHOTOS: Dook | PRODUCTION: Annemarie Meintjes, Klara van Wyngaarden | WORDS: Andrea Vinassa

Karo Estilista is an exclusive new hairdressing salon in Johannesburg, where an appointment becomes a designer experience from the moment you are greeted by a doorman in a suit.

‘No-one told Michelangelo, “Hurry up, your next appointment’s waiting”.’ This humorous tagline summarises the corporate attitude and identity of Karo Estilista, a new hairdressing salon in Hewstone, an exclusive block of contemporary apartments in Craighall Park built to expand a shopping hub that includes one of Gilles Botbyl’s antiques stores.

Rather than a mere trim or tint, Karo’s clients sign up for a luxurious experience that begins with the vast comfort of Philippe Starck-designed chairs and includes the neoclassical toilet with chandelier at the back.

Greg Gamble and Philippe van der Merwe of Tonic were chosen to design the interiors and explain that salon owner, Alwyn van Wyk, pulled out all the stops when it came to the project’s budget. His brief was that only the best furniture should be bought, regardless of the expense.

According to Philippe, ‘We chose furniture from Maletti, the world leader in the design and manufacture of furniture for hair salons. Maletti is known for its innovative products, many of which are designed by Philippe Starck. The furniture the client wanted more or less dictated the interior, so it was our job to put together something elegant and simple.’

Juxtaposition of elements

Their style is characterised by clean lines, bold use of shape and form, and the quirky juxtaposition of elements.

The point of departure was Karo’s corporate identity, which included a series of photographs of antique scissors. A massive image of a pair of these dominates the entire back wall of the washing area. Here, the floors are covered in a durable matt porcelain tile, while a honey-brown solid timber laminate from Kambala Universal Flooring has given warmth and depth to the floor of the entrance and cutting area.

Philippe and Greg worked with a subtle palette of dark chocolate-brown, cream and honey-brown, with accents of metal, to create a functional, uncluttered work area. The neutral walls are covered in papered grey wallpaper, ‘Elitis’ by St Leger & Viney, which resembles roughly woven linen and offsets the freestanding mirrors, also designed by Starck.

The convex mirror frames are a prominent feature that add sparkling, reflective surfaces. Reproduction French chandeliers from Wizards contrast with the square simplicity of the chairs, adding visual interest and working with the cove lighting to create a flattering effect. The shop window sports a custom-designed display of fluorescent white Perspex boxes, while the second-hand reception table was painted black and a metal top designed by Gregor Jenkin was added.

Tonic aims to integrate the client’s vision with the best in international and local design, and Karo Estilista’s contemporary classic appeal and timeless quality once again represents the realisation of this philosophy.

• Karo Estilista: 011 447 8565, www.karoestilista.com