Fashion Stores
Brennen Demelo Studio
Brennen Demelo Studio is about more than just hair. You can tell by looking at the classic Vogues on its magazine rack, the art on its wall, and the resumes of its stylists. "For us, it's about the overall image," stylist Dee tells me. "In that way, hair is almost a fashion accessory."
I catch Brennen Demelo Studio in the middle of its renovation. On Adelaide right in the heart of the Club District, the studio has taken over an adjacent space formerly occupied by a clothing store and is knocking down a wall to create a larger salon. I just miss Brennen as he dashes out to shop for hanging industrial lights to outfit the new space, but stylists Shawna and Dee tell me all about the salon.
The business, which is just over five years old, was previously located in a smaller space at Queen and Spadina. After moving to Adelaide, Brennen took on more stylists and the team is now made up of eight individuals who come from various diverse fashion backgrounds.
Brennen started working in hair when he was young, and now styles hair for FORD models, creates editorial looks for magazines, and works on countless fashion shows. That's where he met Dee (at Fashion Week, to be specific), who is the official "hair expert" for CBC's Steven and Chris and works at various high fashion events when she's not at Brennen Demelo Studio. "We've sort of meshed a philosophy here together," she tells me. "We're stylists, not just hair stylists."
While she and Shawna seem to embody separate styles, the both ascribe to the same idea. "It's about overall image," she says. I notice Shawna is wearing a wool cap over a short bob, while Dee is wearing a jacket with a pair of high-waisted pants, her hair in loose waves. You wouldn't expect two people with such outwardly different appearances to be working in the same salon.
"I used to cut at Coupe Bizarre," Shawna tells me, "so I think I bring some of that edge here. I work with each clients natural hair texture and specialize in cutting" Dee chimes in: "I tend to go more for the classic beauty look. Whereas at some places you're going to get the same haircut in every chair, that won't happen here. It depends on who you're working with, and the image you want to create."
Brennen Demelo Studio is open Tuesday to Saturday, generally by appointment only. Women's cuts range from $50 to $105, colour from $60 to $95.
Photos by Dennis Marciniak
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(see photos above)
yucko.
Justin does my colour and I've never seen such a perfectionist and artist when it comes to colour and hair. He's just so talented. Everyone at BDS is very nice and accommodating, but find out for yourself :)
THANKS BDS - YOUR THE BEST SALON EVER!!!
I am always so excited about my hair after Shawna's expert cuts, and get many compliments. I have also changed my hairstyle requests over the years, and it is always turns out just how I wanted it, and better!
Definitely the best salon I've ever been to, book now!
When I heard about this workshop, I jumped on the opportunity to book myself in for a spot. I have unruly, thick, wavy hair that is very difficult for me to manage. I left the workshop with hair that looked professionally styled. Because I did all the blow drying myself, I feel confident that I could recreate the look.
I would happily recommend this workshop to anyone fed up with pulling their hair back in the mornings. Brennen was an excellent teacher - and what an opportunity to learn from a master in the field!! Thanks Brennen!
I have unruly, thick, wavy hair that is very difficult for me to manage. I left the session with hair that looked professionally styled. I was thrilled. And because I styled my hair myself, I feel confident that I could recreate the look again.
I would highly recommend this session to anyone fed up with pulling their hair back every morning. And what an oppportunity to be taught by Brennen, who is a master in his field!!
Cheers