“I’m not attached to any world – I prefer creating my own one.” After years of creating the coifs (and clothes) for the likes of Lady Gaga and working with nearly every photographer of note, fashion designer and hair stylist extraordinaire Charlie le Mindu is fulfilling the dreams of thousands across the globe by releasing a book covering the highlights of his extravagant and distinguished career. “This book is very special for me, because it gathers together so much of my work, and it reminds me of all the things that originally inspired my collections,” le Mindu says. Titled “Haute Coiffure”, the sumptuously illustrated book spares no detail in presenting photographs and behind-the-scenes looks at le Mindu’s work, which includes both hairstyles and fashion features. Ellen von Unwerth, Steven Klein and Rankin are just a few of the photographers le Mindu can name as collaborators, and the pristinely selected, detailed photos of the results of such alliances are a treat for any avid collector or fan.
The coffee table book also offers a timeline of le Mindu’s career, from when he was a hair cutter in Berlin nightclubs to his major projects, including his often polarizing and controversial fashion line and lightning-fast ascent to more high-profile work as a hair stylist. Diehards and mane devotees also won’t want to miss the hardcover tome, which promises an inside look at le Mindu’s techniques from the man himself. Additionally, personal anecdotes from friends like Lady Gaga and Lana del Rey accompany the photos of his captivating work that have been brilliantly captured and realized by the many renowned photographers le Mindu counts among his clique.
The book follows le Mindu up to his present salon in Harrod’s and current undertakings in fashion and hair, on which he notes: “My work is evolving, and my focus is shifting more towards…performance and art shows. Will [I] ever do a catwalk again? Time will tell. But it feels like the right time to celebrate all of my catwalk work in this book, alongside my many amazing collaborations, with favourites like Tim Walker and Nick Knight.”
A deluxe edition with an extremely limited run of 100 copies each feature one of le Mindu’s wigs as well as other special items.
“Haute Coiffure” will be released this September 2015 in Europe and the UK and will be available October in the US.
