Edwin Fontanez, winner of the 2009 NAHA Contemporary Classic category, is taking the beauty world by storm. His winning NAHA collection showcases his considerable talent—each look is tastefully seductive, precisely executed and alludes to old Hollywood glamor.
The soft-spoken Fontanez began his career over 20 years ago in London, during the height of the punk rock scene. His first clients were friends requesting pink hair and Mohawks. He has since exchanged wilder looks for elegant dress work and artistically applied color, but his mission is the same. He says, "I love giving new opportunity to people by changing their look."
With an extensive resume including the hottest celebrities and bands, dazzling runway and awards shows, and the title of MATRIX artistic designer, Fontanez is etching his name into the world of glitz and glamour one impeccably stunning 'do after another.
Inspired by, and now part of, the fashion world, Fontanez has worked on New York runway shows for Oscar de la Renta, Calvin Klein, Versace, Donna Karan, Imitation of Christ and Kenneth Cole.
His career highlights include:
Winner of the Contemporary Classic category of the North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA)
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Styling suite artist at the Academy Awards, the Golden Globes and the Screen Actors Guild Awards
Styling suite artist for ELLE magazine and Biolage at the Independent Spirit Awards
Stylist for the Biolage and Vavoom holiday hair promotion campaigns
Stylist for Matrix national ad campaigns
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Hair Art director, JCPenney hair salon trend shoot collections
Stylist for Cosmopolitan's 40th Birthday bash
Producer—fashion layout for Culture Magazine (Australia)
Listed as Best Haircutter in Allure Magazine's Beauty Directory
2001 MATRIX Hairdresser of the Year
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Photostylist on magazine shoots for InStyle, Modern Salon, Launch Pad, Latina, Culture and Self
When not traveling around the globe doing session work, or sharing his hair and dress work talent with off-site clients, Fontanez can be found at his Cleveland salon: CIELO By Edwin Fontanez.