While preparing for the next issue of POP magazine, London based hair-stylist Panos Papandrianos talks to the eternal optimist about his outstanding career.
You decided to leave Greece and work abroad at a time when you had reached a peak at your career. What actually made you decide that?
I know what you mean. For most people a move like that is unthinkable but I saw it both as a creative and a personal challenge. I think that I have accomplished all the goals I set for me in Greece and wanted to bet on something beyond that.
At first, was it difficult for you to convince international clients about your portfolio given that your professional history was in a country with a very particular and small market?
I was very fortunate to already have started working internationally while I still lived in Greece. That helped me a lot with making my portfolio more versatile. It also made me realise what it would mean to work internationally, what they "want" from us. My book started getting "international". But I'm not gonna lie to you, it was difficult to establish myself once I finally moved to London and I kept hanging in there with my efforts and my passion for what I do. I guess people appreciated that.
Vogue Korea
Which were, until today, the most important moments of your career in London?
That's a tough one to answer. I was chosen to work with iconic photographers like David Bailey and Ellen Von Unwerth, publications like POP, ID, Dazed, Italian Vogue and people such as Victoria Beckham, Lily Allen and Duffy. They are all great. Choosing a few doesn't make much sense to me at the moment, as this is my workplace now, just like it was back in Greece.
Vogue Turkey
As we said above, the fashion industry in the fashion capitals cannot be compared to the business opportunities in a small country like Greece. Still, is there anything that you miss from your living and working in your country?
Oh, I miss the weather, my friends, I miss the spontaneous aspect and the great memories that come from that. It seems that things require more scheduling over here. Did I mention that I miss the weather?
Is there any major trend in hair styling or any personal hair-style tip at the moment which you are fond of and you're working on?
I like combining different textures in styling, twisting a glamorous Hollywood hair style into something that looks and feels a bit more contemporary. I like the Hollywood hairstyles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s.
Do you plan any artistic projects soon?
A very good friend and photographer has recently proposed to me to make a book together. It will be about the beauty of the female existence. I am very excited.
