Michael Leong is one of Ireland's best known and most talented hairstylists. Born in Malaysia, Michael moved to Ireland intending to study medicine. Walking down Grafton Street in Dublin one day he saw a notice in the window of Peter Mark looking for part-time staff. He joined the group as a trainee and the rest, as they say, is history.
Over his illustrious career Michael has worked with many top celebrities and supermodels gaining him a legion of loyal fans. As if that wasn’t enough, the talented hairstylist has recently taken the world of fashion by storm with the creation of his very own bespoke millinery line. Georgina Heffernan caught up with Michael Leong to find out about his latest foray into the world of high fashion...
GH: Why did you decide to swap your scissors for a needle and thread?
ML: People think that I’ve given up hairdressing but I haven’t, the millinery is just a natural extension of my creativity and something that I really enjoy. I was always being commissioned to make hairpieces for fashion shows and at the end of every show people always wanted to know where they could buy them. Most of the pieces I’d create were like hair sculptures, so I decided to try my hand at designing hats because I it just felt like a natural transition for me. I wasn’t sure if it would work but when I recently previewed a selection of 14 hats from the first collection - the response was overwhelming.
GH: What was the inspiration behind the collection?
ML: The collection is called the ‘Little Black Hat’ range. In some ways I’d see it as being similar to the little black dress that every woman has in her wardrobe, something effortlessly stylish and easy to wear. The hats are very sculptural and they will work with any colour. Having worked as a hairstylist for so many years, I can judge the balance, shape and height of the hat, which makes them incredibly flattering to wear.
GH: Did you do a formal course in millinery or are you self taught?
ML: When I was making the headpieces, I used to buy a lot of my supplies from a shop in Temple Bar called Beads and Bling. Of course, because I was always popping in and out of the store, I got chatting to the staff and they became really curious about what I did. Once I showed them my work, they were very excited and introduced me to Netty, who runs their millinery class. She took one look at my portfolio and said ‘Oh My God! You have it!’ Netty invited me to do a master millinery course with her and she taught me all the basics. It really helped me to take my ideas from the drawing board to the catwalk.
GH: Describe your own personal style?
ML: My own style is very classic - not casual. I like to wear easy pieces that suit me and I tend to stay away from trends. I like to wear muted colours such as grey or black and I feel most comfortable in a simple white t-shirt and jeans.
GH: Who is your inspiration?
ML: I am inspired by the fantastic creations such as Philip Treacy, Stephen Jones and Lady Gaga, who has helped to bring hats back into the mainstream. I know Philip very well and even did hair for him at his graduation show, but when it comes to fashion, I loved Alexander McQueen and I am constantly inspired by the work of John Galliano.
GH: What do you enjoy most about the hat making process?
ML: Having worked as a hairstylist for so many years, I know all about hair and how it can be moulded and shaped but now I’m fascinated by different types of fabrics and how they can be used. You know, I don’t have a studio; I just work at the coffee table in my front room with a can of beer, a packet of biscuits and my scissors at the ready.
GH: Where do you see the brand going in the future?
ML: At the moment the hats are being shown at the influential World Expo in Shanghai and it was great to see that they’d been featured in many of the newspapers over there. When my hats come back to Ireland on the 25th of October, I’m thinking about having a small show for the fashion press. It would be a dream come true if I got to collaborate with a big designer by creating a collection of hats to compliment their show. If I got the opportunity - I’d jump to it.
www.michaelleong.com Commissions: 087 2557870
