Creative London: Evan Huang, Celebrity Hair & Makeup Stylist

This week, we chat to Evan Huang, a professional hair and makeup stylist who works with celebrities and private clients as well as fashion, magazines and events.

Following a decade of working with media stars from the world of film and music in Los Angeles, Evan has now settled in our capital, “What I learned in Hollywood is that glamour is fun but what really matters – to celebrities and all of us alike – is a style that suits our personality and makes us feel beautiful on the inside and the outside.”

He’s collaborated with fashion houses, such as Donna Karan, Calvin Klein and Levi’s; worked on editorials for Vogue, Bazaar and GQ; and done hair and makeup for celebrities from the world of television and music, such as Scissors Sisters, Paris Hilton and Louis Smith.

Evan is now permanently based in London and has become part of the fashion and design scene, working with trend-setting brands, BAFTA-winning actors, stars of the Brit Awards and X-Factor winners, making sure they are exuding maximum glamour on the red carpet, looking their best on magazine covers and in the latest music videos, “When working at these events it is important to make a bold statement, using styling, hair and make-up to highlight the star’s unique and strong identity.”

We’re intrigued, not to mention impressed, where did it all begin?

I have always been a creative type, non-stop painting, drawing, even making my own clothes by up-cycling my Mum’s old clothes, haha. Working in fashion allows me to be creative even within the constraints of working to a brief.

I moved to London eight years ago, having lived in LA and San Francisco for eight years before. London is my favourite city, I’ve always loved London. The multi-culture, the vibe, the fact that it’s at the core of fashion. Even after eight years I’m excited living here, discovering new things every day.

What has been your career path so far?

After graduating from Fashion Design College in Taipei I worked as an assistant for a very famous fashion make-up artist, Mai Lin. I learnt a lot very quickly and after a few years I set up my own business. That gave me opportunities to travel around Asia working with celebrities. I decided to move to California and continued my work in Hollywood, oh sounds so glamorous, haha.

Evan Huang, Celebrity Hair & Makeup Stylist - Portfolio
Jedward | GayTimes Shoot | Grooming by Evan Huang

What are you working on at the moment?

I have a red carpet job for a celebrity nominated for a BAFTA’s award next week, but generally it’s magazine, cover, editorial work.

What are the tools of your trade?

Makeup, by the case load, all sorts of hair products, extensions, accessories, material, magazines to give clients a feel. I also use an unusual razor from Japan to cut hair, which requires quite a creative hand. This gives hair amazing texture.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

I have worked with some amazing people. Being asked to do hair and makeup for the first ever Vogue cover in Taiwan was very exciting. Working with some celebrities like Julianne Moore, Uma Thurman, Richard Gere on red carpet events; Oscars, BAFTA’s and Cannes Film Festival is a highlight. I’m most proud of winning the L’Oreal Award for Best Make-Up Artist of the Year back in 2009.

Who else do you admire in your industry and why?

Talented creative people get my admiration; Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, Tom Ford. In the make-up world, Kevyn Aucoin, Pat McGrath. They are all so passionate about their work and truly artistic.

Anything exciting in the pipeline?

There is a future collaboration with St Martin’s College London and London College of Style which will be exciting.


aqua shard
Views from aqua shard

Evan’s Top 5 in London (We love that he went all out on this one!)

To Eat: Hakkasan – amazing fine dim sum; also Asia de Cuba – fusion experience dining, Blue Elephant – Taste Thai fever with great river view, Polpo – nice Italian tapas for catch up with friends, Cafe East – best PHO in the town!

To Drink: Aqua Shard – great cocktail with night view of London; also Buddha Bar – feeling Zen when you are drinking; Sky Pod – not only the view the cocktails are just amazing; Portobello Star– nice customers and bartenders to talk to; and Ladies and Gents – interesting bar feature and you will surprise yourself!

To Party: KOKO – great performances; also Heaven – great for fun night out for mini concerts; XOYO – best DJs in London! Egg London – feeling Ibiza fever; Trapeze – incredible unique venue

To Walk: Southbank – creative venues along the Thames; also Richmond Park – peaceful and relax landscape; Kew Gardens – the best beautiful flowers collection in London; Hampstead – Best walk in the forest in London; Greenwich – loving the view of London and great surroundings

To Shop: Portobello Road – always can find something interesting; also Covent Garden – many small boutiques always surprise me; Liberty – best department store in London; New Bond Street – amazing window displays; Alfie Antique Market – you never know what you can find in there

 

To see more of Evan’s work, check out his website and follow him on Instagram.

Website | Instagram