SEAGULL SALON NYC Beauty & Culture Blog

As Seagull Turns 52, Our New West Village Salon Space Just turned 8!

Cool to revisit this article in The Architect's Newspaper featuring our architect Ben Warwas. As "New Seagull" turns eight, we're having fun looking back and getting 1/2 way to vintage! 

 

Here is a snippet from The Architect's Newspaper and you can read the whole thing HERE.

 

Since its founding more than four decades ago, Seagull Hair Salon has been a haven for queer culture in Manhattan’s West Village. The first unisex barbershop in New York City is the place to lounge, gossip, and unwind.

In September 2015, its latest generation of co-owners, veteran hairstylist Shaun “Surething” Cottle and former Le Tigre band member Johanna Fateman, moved Seagull to a larger, brighter shop around the block, commissioning Los Angeles–based architect Ben Warwas to design a space that would preserve Seagull’s signature campy irreverence.

“Those colors are very riot grrrl,” Warwas said, referring to the palette of black, white, and bright pink taken directly from the ’90s feminist movement. Postmodern flourishes abound in what the salon’s owners have described as an “upscale glam feminist Pee-Wee’s Playhouse,” mainly in the form of allusions to the original space’s signature architectural features.

Juliana Wolfe, New York Philharmonic: Triangle Fire

Composer Julia Wolfe stopped by Seagull Hair Salon to try some scissor sounds for her new oratorio. “Fire in my mouth,” is about the Triangle shirtwaist factory fire. She scoured New York’s garment district for the right sounds as well as gracing the salon with her presence to check out the sounds of hair scissors that she included in her new work presented by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. Below are some excerpts from The New York Times Article, "Arming a Chorus of Women With Scissors".

Ms. Wolfe was in the market for scissors to be wielded by the women of the chorus in her new oratorio, “Fire in my mouth.” The work, which will be given its premiere on Thursday by the New York Philharmonic, explores the Triangle shirtwaist factory fire of 1911, which killed 146 garment workers, mostly immigrant women, including many who were trapped by locked exit doors. Their deaths helped change the way New York and the nation thought about safety, the labor movement and the struggle for women’s equality.

Ms. Wolfe’s previous oratorio about labor in America, “Anthracite Fields,” about the hardships faced by Pennsylvania coal miners, won a Pulitzer Prize in 2015. She is known for her evocative orchestrations and varied sound palettes, and in parts of “Fire in my mouth” she wanted to suggest factories.

She wrote string parts that recall sewing machines, and at several points in the score she included the sound of scissors opening and closing. She imagined the effect as more of a slow, resonant “swoosh” than a staccato, castanet-like “snip.” But she had to find the right ones for the job.

Her next stop was Manhattan Wardrobe Supply, a large store on the eighth floor of a building on West 29th Street that caters to New York’s theater and film industries. Ms. Wolfe tried out some Fiskars shears (“Eliminates Fabric Fray,” the package promised) and some Gingher dressmaker shears (whose package touted “smooth, mistake-free cutting”). Then it was off to the hairdresser’s: the chic Seagull salon on West Fourth Street. Jenna Huber, an assistant stylist, showed Ms. Wolfe a large assortment of barber scissors. But even after the dance music was turned down, they were hard to make out.

“You hear it when your hair’s getting cut,” Ms. Wolfe said, “but I guess it’s close to your ears.”

You can watch the video of Wolfe trying out various scissors here.

Seagull in I-D Magazine - 5 Queer-Friendly Hair Salons Shaking Up The Gender Binary

5 Queer-Friendly Hair Salons Shaking Up The Gender Binary

 

Seagull's proximity to Stonewall Inn isn't a coincidence. The boutique West Village hair oasis was founded in 1971, during the height of the gay liberation period, and prides itself on being the city's first unisex barber shop. Seagull then packed up its record collection and wall art and moved over to West 10th Street. But after more than 30 years away, Seagull scored a sunny loft on the second floor of its first home. The salon is now under the management of stylist Shaun Cottle and riot grrrl icon Johanna Fateman, who founded the feminist post-punk outfit with Kathleen Hanna in the late 90s. It's little wonder that Seagull is the go-to salon for Tavi Gevinson, Eileen Myles, and Carol Bove, all women whose portraits would be right at home on Johanna's wall of feminist icon photography. Shaun, meanwhile, has worked his platinum magic on writer Emily Gould, "Pandrogeny" artist Genesis Breyer P-Orridge, and UNIFEM director Joanne Sandler.https://i-d.vice.com/en_us/article/59gbmq/5-queer-friendly-hair-salons-shaking-up-the-gender-binary

Vacancy Project (New York)

If one of your NYC-based Instagram faves recently got a shaggy ear-grazing bob or perfectly imperfect fashion mullet, chances are it was done by Vacancy Project's Masami Hosono. The salon's short hair sorceress wants her business to be a welcoming space for people to just hang out — in fact she doesn't even really care if you don't get a haircut. Vacancy Project actually began as a zine documenting the city's youth in their most intimate spaces as an exploration of how hair relates to identity, vulnerability, and relationships. Earlier this year, Masami joined the increasing number of hairstylists doing away with gender-pricing. And the timing wasn't entirely random. "After the election, so many female clients came in to chop off their hair," Masami recently told Allure. "I think people needed a change — they were like, fuck it. They wanted to do something defiant to feel stronger. My transgender clients wanted new hairstyles to identify with their gender more confidently, too." Here's to fighting the power with fashion mullets.

Art-a-Porter: Susanne Bartsch

Last week Seagull color genius Jeanise was down in Florida at the Tampa Museum of Art for the opening of their newest exhibit Susanne Bartsch: Art-a-Porter, celebrating the beloved New York City fashion and nightlife icon. Collaborating with UK-born NYC-based designer Ben Copperwheat, Jeanise designed some colorfully amazing wigs for the exhibit's opening. Conjuring acid flashbacks of bright cotton candy, these dream hair creations are delightfully whimsical---just like Jeanise! And they go so well with the knitwear pieces she created for these looks. 

From the Tampa Museum of Art: 

"Susanne Bartsch: Art-a-Porter presents the couture designs and looks worn by Susanne Bartsch, New York City’s famed “Queen of the Night.” The exhibition highlights her celebrated career in fashion, from her early days as a boutique owner in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood to her legendary parties in New York City’s underground club scene. Bartsch has been a muse to several designers, including Thierry Mugler, Zaldy, and the esteemed corset maker, Mr. Pearl. Her boutique was one of the first American stores in the 1980s to feature emerging British designers such as Vivienne Westwood and John Galliano, who are now amongst the most influential designers in the fashion industry. Susanne Bartsch: Art-a-Porter will feature 35 looks spanning Bartsch’s extraordinary career, including designs by Alexander McQueen, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Thierry Mugler, John Galliano, Vivienne Westwood, Zaldy, and the Blonds."

 

 

 

This Is Not An April Fool's Joke: Seagull Nails Starting Monday!

Starting this Monday, April 3rd Seaull will now be offering manicures and nail art by renowned nail artist Gina Oh!

Seagull Salon’s resident nail artist Gina Oh is a sought-after underground celebrity. Having worked her magic for over seven years at Manhattan’s top nail salons, Vanity Projects and Akiko Nails in the Lower East Side, she forged her own signature style known as OHriGINAils. Growing up among Orlando’s eclectic and diverse backdrop, Gina developed her freestyle signature nail painting techniques, specializing in both gel nails and acrylics. Although she has a minimalist’s eye and appreciates a good, clean and simple manicure, it is her collaborative approach and imaginative energy that has caught the attention of mega stars Lauryn Hill, Serena Williams, Nicky Minaj and Madonna’s long-time bestie Debbie Mazar. Gina was also chosen to participate in a pop-up nail art installation in conjunction with painter Kehinde Wiley’s exhibition at Aspen Art Museum, catching the attention of Kylie Jenner on a leg of her site, Kylie Klaws: “7 Things To Know About Gina Oh”. 

Whatever your nails needs, Gina Oh is here for you at Seagull. Ask ahead for a bold, basic gel manicure while your hair color settles in or book her for a full-on, tricked-out, full set of flash nails. Gina will wow you every time. 

Call us at 212 989 1807 to book your nail appointment with Gina!

xo
SEAGULL

Happy 2017 from Seagull Salon!

Happy 2017! We should all congratulate ourselves for making it through that endurance test of a year 2016. Midnight could not have gotten here fast enough on Saturday evening. But we shouldn't be too down on 2016---after all, we did get some nice new press to end the year on, facing 2017 with a fresher, more determined attitude. 

On the heels of the nightmarish election came our feature in New York Times T Magazine that we were very proud of and thankful for. It couldn't have come at a better time! It's all things Seagull: beautiful and political. And the description of the salon fits us to a T: "Seagull feels decidedly cozy. Elephant Pink, the Benjamin Moore color that coats the walls, helped create a sense of consistency when the salon moved from its storefront spot on West 10th to its current second-story location on West 4th. Funky, sharp black built-ins designed by the architect Ben Warwas, Fateman’s childhood friend, break up the blush, along with paintings by artists like Sam McKinniss and Kathe Burkhardt."

 

 

In December, our color expert Jeanise was featured in the newest Walt Cessna zine Vaczine #3. Jeanise's gift of color inspires all and definitely makes Seagull more special with her warm and fun personality. 

 

And our marvelous assistant Maggie's band Yucky Duster was featured in the Guardian with their newest track "Elementary School Dropout".

Yucky Duster is a really fun Brooklyn punk band with infectious tunes I've sung many a time to myself on my way to work in the morning. Definitely check them out!

We hope your 2017 is starting off right. 2016 was a test, but it's over now. We made it. Now let's get our hair done!

xo
craig

The World is a Mess But Your Hair Doesn't Have To Be!

 

Gift packages! Holiday specials! Come in with a girlfriend and enjoy a GIANT group hug from SEAGULL! We love you!

 

Hey all some of you probably saw our Black Friday post down below. Sorry for the repeat info but we've added some new services and we're doing gift certificate packages in addition to the other specials we are running. We want to let you know here so you can call and purchase for your friends, families and loved ones, if you can't swing by in person, which of course, we would prefer!!!!

First are the three gift certificate packages followed by the other specials that are already running. If there has ever been a time when your friend, loved one, kid, parent, whoever needs a little TLC and pampering it's now and Seagull has it in droves BIGXO!

Night Out Special - A full make-up session with Mel (1 hour) and a blowout with one of our lovey assistants.

Restore Repair Rebuild - Haircut at regular price with a restorative/smoothing treatment of YOUR choice on   the house courtesy of Seagull. Usually the treatments run about $50-75 but hey, we know you need it. Some of these even come with take home, upkeep products!

Lighten up! - Balayage highlights with a restorative/smoothing treatment of YOUR choice, again courtesy of Seagull. 

On to the specials!

Give the gift of a luxurious DAMAGE CONTROL double-conditioning treatment by Jeanise. Mel is offering 20% off a full-face make-up session for Seagull clients to get everyone hooked on her magic touch. Or for NEW clients, Steve is offering 20% off color-and-cut packages.

Well, we hope all of you are doing well and keeping your chins up when you can. We can't wait to see you when you come in for a visit. Bring a friend, let's all hold hands and smile!!!!
xoxoxoxSeagull 

I'M WITH HER!

In the midst of this never-ending contentious election season, Seagull president Johanna and her band Le Tigre have reunited to release their first new song in a decade: a super fun pro-Hillary Clinton track "I'm With Her".  

 Using their classic anthemic sound, Le Tigre's "I'm With Her" eviscerates Donald Trump, making an awesome case for a President Hillary Clinton as "a problem solver, a true rock climber, pantsuit-wearing herstorical first-timer...a listener, a negotiator, a legal scholar, Supreme Court nominator." It's Le Tigre meets 2016, which is so badly needed in this political climate right now! Understood by the band is the urgent point in history we are at: America is on the verge of electing a sociopathic and sexist fascist, who wants to ban Muslims and build a wall along our southern border, or a highly-qualified first woman president running on the most progressive platform ever! It's refreshing to hear a song that's unabashedly pro-Hillary since there is a dearth of those for a figure so complex and fascinating to many of us. 

In an interview with Pitchfork, Johanna discussed part of what motivated her in writing a new Le Tigre track:

"We’re coming off of a really fractious rollercoaster of a Democratic primary that divided a lot of our extended community around Hillary vs. Sanders. I really try to counter the narrative that Hillary’s not exciting by saying that I am very excited by her, that I find her likable and inspiring. The irony always gets me: Le Tigre were touring and registering voters and talking about John Kerry on stage every night. We never got any pushback, but now, it’s not cool to support Hillary in this epic, historic battle for life as we know it? It’s ludicrous. Hillary’s doing an amazing job. Her debate performances are astounding and moving and I’m super excited about her being a leader." 

We here at Seagull also get what's at stake this year and eagerly welcome Le Tigre's "I'm With Her". We are so ready for Hillary. Consider this our endorsement. Go vote!

xo
craig hunter

PS
Listen for the low-key witch cackle in "I'm With Her". 

PPS
Go here to look up your NYC poll locator! Remember to vote Tuesday, November 8!

 

Mae West, Greenwich Village Follies, Female Impersonators and Seagull Salon: Historical 224 West 4th

This article about the history of 224 West 4th Street, where our hair salon Seagull currently resides was once home to The Greenwich Village Theatre. Burt Savoy, one of the first female impersonators in the city got his start there, as well as Mae West. Seagull is really excited to be part of the building, especially because it was Seagull's very first home for one year in 1971 before moving to our old location on West 10th street. So our move last November was like a giant, queer migration home. Enjoy:

 

Greenwich Village Theatre: 1917 - 1930

 

It was the summer of 1922 and Mae Westwas about to celebrate her 29th birthday. Hungry for stardom and going nowhere in vaudeville, Mae bit the bait: a chance to star in a play The Ginger Box that could make her a star. According to biographer Emily Wortis Leider, The Ginger Box served up wall-to-wall Mae West. In addition to featuring her as Circe, turning her lovers into swine, it presented Mae West as a Broadway vamp (played to Harry Richman's victim), Mae West singing "I want a Cave Man," Mae West clowning Tommy Gray's "I'm a Night School Teacher," and torching a song whose regretful tone she would later rule out: "Sorry I Made You Cry." Major troubles were afoot, however, and revealed themselves during a two-performance try-out in Connecticut. Also, the flam-flam producer Edward Perkins was perpetually short of funds and vanished, leaving unpaid debts and I-owe-you notes to his cast. Ginger Revue Now a Pepless Stew as Promoter Disappears announced the New York Daily News [August 13, 1922]. Thirteen Equity actors sued Perkins to recover their salaries -- but not Mae, who was to have received a percentage of the box office.

 

Greenwich Village Theatre: 1917 - 1930

The Greenwich Village Theatre was made famous by female impersonator Bert Savoy who performed in the acclaimed "Greenwich Village Follies" there, an annual revue that was so popular that it moved to Broadway. Located until 1930 on the western side of Seventh Avenue South where Christopher Street kisses West Fourth, it faced Sheridan Square. During the 1920s, the outstanding success of this cultural outpost put Sheridan Square on the map as a mecca for avant-garde entertainment. A fierce financial beast - the Wall Street crash in 1929 - killed this beauty.

 

So there's some fun info about the queer west village scene from the 1920's -1930's. 

xoxo
Shaun SureThing for Seagull Hair Salon, West Village, NYC

Small Works for Big Change 2016 - The Sylvia Rivera Law Project

This year Seagull Hair Salon was proud to sponsor the annual art auction at the Sylvia Rivera Law Project alongside Cooper Union, Bitch Media and many more. The auction, Small Works for Big Change, is always very exciting because it is for a really good cause: 

Fighting Discrimination against Gender Non-Conforming People: Focusing on People of Color and Poor People

In case you are not familiar, below is a description of what  SLRP works to do and you can find more info here: THE SYLIVA RIVERA LAW PROJECT.

 "The Sylvia Rivera Law Project (SRLP) works to guarantee that all people are free to self-determine their gender identity and expression, regardless of income or race, and without facing harassment, discrimination, or violence. SRLP is a collective organization founded on the understanding that gender self-determination is inextricably intertwined with racial, social and economic justice. Therefore, we seek to increase the political voice and visibility of low-income people and people of color who are transgender, intersex, or gender non-conforming. SRLP works to improve access to respectful and affirming social, health, and legal services for our communities. We believe that in order to create meaningful political participation and leadership, we must have access to basic means of survival and safety from violence."

Like every year, a bunch of super rad artists donated small pieces, including works from Leidy Churchman, Nancy Brooks Brody, and A.K. Burns. One of the coolest things about this particular auction is that it does not exist online, which means if you want to purchase a piece of art you actually have to be there IRL. By doing away with online bidding and limiting the geographical scope of people who can bid, this auction allows for people to bid on work by artists that otherwise would be monetarily out of reach. And that's pretty cool! I personally managed to nab a small painting by Andrea Geyer, who I wrote about earlier this year due to her huge contribution to the opening of the new Whitney Museum, "America is Hard to See". 

Andrea is a longtime Seagull VIP and I'm really stoked that I get to add her piece "Scratching the Surface From Below" to my mini art collection.

xoxox Shaun SureThing for Seagull Hair Salon, West Village, New York City

 

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