French-Bred

Fabrice Gili grew up immersed in the business of beauty at his mother's salon in Bordeaux, in the south of France.

"Hair styling was in my blood," he says. "I was the fourth generation to work for the family business."

Gili studied with Jean Louis David in Paris and worked at Bruno Dessanges' New York City salon before his name became part of Frédéric Fekkai's roster, first as a senior stylist at the 57th Street salon, then as co-creative director of the flagship salon, and currently as creative director at the SoHo location.

"To have this incredible opportunity to be creative director for the SoHo location was something I could not have imagined when I started as a senior stylist almost 10 years ago," he says.

"The salon is so special-we scoured the world to find the best people and create a dream team of technicians. It's a unique place: uptown chic married to downtown style with a very artistic vibe that fits the flavor of the neighborhood.

"I love doing editorial work and fashion shows. Most of all, I enjoy working behind the chair, cutting hair and being surrounded by a team of professionals-all at the top of their game.

"Another aspect I find rewarding is mentoring and nurturing the assistants at the salon-they are the future of the industry. I teach the importance of providing a high standard of service on an everyday basis."