Shopping & Beauty Faces: Cristophe

What do Nicole Kidman, Brad Pitt, Bill Clinton and just about every ounce of the crème de la crème have in common--other than fame, fortune and fabulous hair? The same famous and fortunate man behind their fabulous hair. Cristophe, the Brussels-born, world famous hairstylist has called Los Angeles his home for the past 20 years. Now, a hair care line sold nationwide, a list of celebrity clients as long as Rapunzel's locks, and five salons later, we decided to find out a bit about the king of coifs and why he loves L.A. --Lyndsey Saul

You're the man behind the looks of many famous people. We assume you don't cut your own hair, so who's behind your look?

I get my hair cut at the salon, by a guy named Joan. Though anyone who's still here when I'm done has a shot at it.

Giving your clients a haircut that matches each individual's style is one of your trademarks. Where do you shop for the clothes that emmulate your style?

I shop everywhere. Dolce, Maxfield, Fred Segal. I wear a lot of Paul Smith. It depends on my mood. It takes time to dress up and most of the time I don't care. At the salon, I wear a lot of white shirts because it serves as a background for the hair I'm cutting and I can see everything. I get those at Dolce.

When you're not working--or traveling to your salons in other cities--where do you hang out?

I spend a lot of time outside in nature. I like to go to Venice Beach as much as possible. Other than that, much of my free time revolves around food and wine.

So, where do you go to get your wine?

I usually buy it at Du Vin on San Vicente and Melrose. It's close to my house.

What about cheese to go with that wine?

I go to The Beverly Hills Cheese Store. But it's dangerous to go in there because I end up leaving with about 15 pounds of cheese!

Favorite restaurant?

If I'm in an Asian mood--which is a lot--I like Koi.

When you're out, do you notice everyone's hair? Is there a spot where collectively everyone has great hair?

Hmm, I don't know. I can turn it off when I'm not at work. But, when I go to The Ivy, since so many of my clients eat there, I've notice that everyone adjusts their hair when I walk by! I'm usually not even thinking about what anyone's hair looks like when I'm out; I don't feel like I have to redo the world.

Being on the go so much, you must need a coffee fix. Where do you get yours?

At the salon! We have a fantastic cappuccino maker downstairs; everyone tells me I have the best cappuccino. Maybe when I'm done with hair, I'll go into business and compete with Starbuck's.