Laura Eckstein Jones Laura Eckstein Jones | September 19, 2021 | People, Style & Beauty,
Fashion is their passion—and these gents prove that personality is the secret to all that panache.
FREELANCE HAIRSTYLIST; STYLIST, STRIIKE workgroup-ltd.com; striiike.com
Angelenos, count your blessings: Michael Forrey—the talented hairstylist and former head of education at Vidal Sassoon— is now here in L.A. Forrey, who currently splits his time between San Francisco and the City of Angels, recently joined the team at Striiike, bringing his creativity and innovative vision along with him. Along with his undeniable scissor skills, Forrey’s inspiring style is top notch.
PHOTO BY JENNA JONES
WHAT ASPECTS OF YOUR JOB DO YOU LOVE THE MOST? I love working with people, making them feel confident and cool. Sounds cliche, but it’s true. There is nothing like seeing someone light up when they are feeling themselves and looking good! I like to push people right to the edge of their comfort zone but still within it.
WHEN DID YOU FIRST BECOME INTERESTED IN FASHION? From as early as I remember. I have always been particular about aesthetics, from my Halloween costumes to belting my nightshirts to turning them into dresses. I had a very distinct sense of what I would and would not look like. I was definitely rejecting gender norms as a kid and didn’t understand why I couldn’t wear things like dresses. My mom would not allow me to wear certain things, so I used to stick what I actually wanted to wear in my backpack and change once I got to school.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE NOW? Playful, arty, deconstructed. I love Japanese design mixed with a little Berlin vintage neon flair, but always sprinkled with a little luxury. I love pieces that are classic but with a variation or twist. I don’t mind standing out, and love feeling different.
WHAT DESIGNERS DO YOU GRAVITATE TOWARD? Comme des Garçons, Maison Margiela, Henrik Vibskov, Jacquemus, Eckhaus Latta, Dries Van Noten, Prada—I love them for the shapes, comfort, textiles, prints and how well mad they are. Bottega is making my favorite accessories at the moment. I just bought a Parakeet Green Cassette bag from Bottega that I love! I stopped buying fast fashion as much, as it didn’t last and was probably toxic for the environment. I realized that I could have one really nice piece that would last instead of a bunch of junk.
Comme des Garçons Hommes Plus blazer, doverstreetmarket.com. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS
Maison Margiela orange Tabi sneaker, Farfetch, farfetch.com. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS
Henrik Vibskov New Tanoi cotton trousers, Farfetch, farfetch.com; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS
Béton Ciré Miki hat, betonxcire.com. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS
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