Francesco de Nile: “I like haircuts as a manifestation of creativity”

The article was first published in Makeup&YOU Professional magazine.

You are one of the few European masters who came not only to the capital, but also made a mini-tour around Ukraine. What are your impressions of Ukrainian masters, were they received differently in different cities? Let's start with hospitality, it is unique - your hospitality! I also saw that my colleagues are professional and love their work. I want to emphasize hospitality and professionalism without comparing colleagues from different cities. Let's just say that in one Ukrainian city the craftsmen showed more interest in the creative part of the work, while in another there were more questions about technology. That is, some were more creative, while others were more accurate. What is more important for you in your work – creativity or technology? And this, and that, both, all three - in Italy there is such a joke. Italians are very expressive and emotional. Is this reflected in the images you create and in your working style? Yes very. The style I want to spread and my way of working is international. It's an Italian taste, but one that suits other nations very well. What would you call the distinctive features of your work, your signature feature? I really like cutting people's hair; cutting hair is a manifestation of creativity. This is where you can express yourself the most. When I see a woman or a man in any image, I always think - what kind of haircut would I give them? When you choose a person's haircut, what do you look at first - their overall style, makeup, perhaps facial features or hair color? First of all, the face is important. When choosing not only a haircut, but also a style, I first look at the face. Each face has its own characteristics, there are no ugly faces, there is something that can be emphasized in the beauty of each face. Well, of course, I look at what style a person has and think what can go with his personality. And then the work begins - creativity, creativity. Surely you take into account not only individual characteristics, but also fashion trends? How much does what is fashionable now influence your choice of haircut? Fashion trends are just an accent; the personality itself is more important than fashion. In Italy, for example, the eighties style is now very fashionable. Not everyone can accept this fashion, but you can create an accent in the spirit of the eighties for almost anyone. What do you think about men's fashion now? About hairstyles and style in general? Previously, men's fashion was dominated by the Armani style - a handsome, classic man, neat. And now we see a different style, the hipster style. Even Dolce & Gabbana can see this in their collections. The unisex style is passing. Now completely different lines can be seen in men's clothing. I don’t know if the fashion for knee socks, breeches, capri pants has already come to you... The rockabilly trend - tattoos, earrings, beards - is ending. Now it’s time for me to shave off my beard, because it’s no longer trendy (laughs). A specific question regarding fashion trends in women's haircuts. In one season the shapes are heavier, in another they are milled. What is more relevant now? To understand this, you need to know where the trends for flat or milled shapes come from. In Italy they come from television. This could also be a TV advertisement. On TV they explain to Italian women what the market offers them. Television presents, and then you need to see how compatible it is with your personal style. Have you worked on television? What are your impressions? Let's say there is more stress in working on TV than in any other job. Have you worked with artists? What impressions did Italian celebrities leave about themselves? In Italy, this is the situation: all artists have an image, it is determined together with their record company or manager, and the artists carefully follow it. They are contractually obligated to maintain this image for, say, two years and not change it. There is no room for creativity here. It’s much more interesting with ordinary clients. What do you love most about your work - teaching, glossy magazines, television? I like everything. I'm very addicted. I need constant contact with people. Probably teaching, because it’s communication with people with whom I have common goals. What inspires you in creativity? I live by the sea. It may seem strange, but looking at the sea, I see images - female and male, and this gives me inspiration. I really enjoy watching the moon kiss the sea at night. You travel a lot. Do you have a favorite country where you get special pleasure when returning? There is no favorite, because each country has its own charm. What kind of cuisine do you like? I fell in love with Ukrainian cuisine, it is very tasty. I’m also learning some words. I know “dyakaya”, “so”. Three things you love and three things you don't? I love women, food, the sea. I don’t like arrogance, arrogance, selfishness.