“Finding out you can make a vegan meringue with the water from canned beans.” Gustav Fouche on the strangest thing that’s happened during lockdown
I first met Gustav when he attempted (and succeeded effortlessly, might I add) to tame my rather wild tresses into some form of bridal, big-day look – as I was running a feature on the site dedicated to curly bridal hair ideas. I instantly loved his glittering character and welcoming warmth (not to mention the serious hair skills, of course) and I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t shut-up when I discovered he creates a lot of the runway hair for Jenny Packham (cue small amount of fan-girling). Having recently opened his own stunning salon, Gustav Fouche within the thriving streets of London’s Westbourne Grove, there’s no doubt it’s fast becoming the salon to visit and become a client of. I caught up (digitally, of course) with Gustav to chat all things lockdown…
#1 Provide us with three words that sum-up how you were feeling about lockdown when it first started, and then three words about how you feel now:
Before: “Unsure, worried and confused.”
After: “At ease, gratitude and readiness.”
#2 What time do you get up? Has this changed? Is life a little slower? Talk to us about your new daily routine…
“Pre-lockdown I would normally get up any time between 5:15am and 7:30am. Currently, I’m waking up at eight and starting my daily routine around 8:30am.
I start the day with a breathing meditation for 20 minutes, followed by a cold bath for 5-10 minutes (or as long as I can take it). The cold baths sound awful, but are actually an invigorating way to start the day!
At 10am I have a group video call with my staff. We chat about how we feel, what’s going on and what our plans are for the day. Even though we aren’t working, we are still creating online content.
I believe you should be in – or as close as possible – to natural light and have created three different work spaces in my home for filming and video calls that make the most of the lighting at different times of the day. When the weather is good, I’m happiest working from the garden or roof terrace, if not, I have a space by the window in my lounge.
I also do yoga every day, whether it’s in the morning or evening, it really helps to keep my mind strong.”
#3 How is lockdown impacting your business, and how can people support you?
“Like any other business, lockdown has had a big effect on us. Not being able to see our clients makes it hard for us, but we have taken this opportunity to help our clients out by sending them colour and home care packages to keep their hair looking fabulous at all times.
People can support us by purchasing gift vouchers for friends and family or pre-pay for future appointments.” Click here for further information.
#4 Name three local businesses you are supporting or would like to support more…
No.1 “The delightful Ben’s Fruit and Veg in Westbourne Grove.”
No.2 “Prezzemolo & Vitale in Westbourne Grove.”
No.3 “The Old Post Office Bakery in Clapham.”
#5 What’s your favourite isolation snack?
“I love fruit; my favourites are pears and apricots. As a good South African boy, I wouldn’t be without my Biltong.”
#6 What’s your most recommended quarantine pick-me-up when you’re feeling down?
“I would 100% say any form of exercise. I do either yoga or Les Mills. Sweating and getting the heart rate up is very important.”
#7 What’s the item you can now NEVER find in the supermarket (and consequently dream continuously about)…
“Lovely fresh cut flowers. Our local florist is closed and the supermarket selection is really limited at the moment.”
#8 What’s the strangest thing that’s happened during your lockdown period…
“Finding out you can make a vegan meringue with the water from canned beans.”
#9 Favourite app for keeping in touch digitally with friends and family?
“Instagram.”
#10 Name your lockdown hate:
“That I can’t hug people.”
#11 Name your lockdown love:
“I am spending quality time with my partner.”
#12 The person(s) you will hug first when social distancing is no longer in place?
“Every one of my clients.”
#13 An act of kindness towards you that you’ve really appreciated?
“Most of our clients have been checking in on us, whether that’s just to let us know we are in their thoughts or to book in their next appointment!”
#14 Talk to us about what’s new at your brand?
“We are producing loads of delish online content, which you can find on our blog here. We’re also working hard behind the scenes as well, we’re creating an all natural product line that should be out very soon!”
#15 Name three things the lockdown has made you grateful for:
No.1 “My health.”
No.2 “Family.”
No.3 “Friends.”
#16 Which restaurant will you dine at first once restrictions are lifted?
“Cocotte, it’s got the best roast chicken in London.”
#17 What series have you now completed on Netflix? Any recommendations?
“Where do I begin…
Unorthodox
Hunters
Fleabag (one woman show)
Sex Education“
#18 What would be your quarantine book list?
“I have just finished Stealing Fire by Steven Kotler and Jamie Wheal.”
#19 And, finally, your quarantine cocktail/tipple of choice?
“I don’t really drink alcohol but I used to love a good glass of bubbles, Ruinart to be specific!”
Want to discover more about Gustav Fouche? Click here.
To read more WFH Diary entires from your favourite brands and designers, click here.
EDITORIAL IMAGES – CREDITS
The campaign was photographed in London by photographer Iakovos Kalaitzakis.
Film by Black Dots Video.
Creative Direction: Jenny Packham
Model: Eve Delf at Select Model Management
Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Eyewear: Linda Farrow
Hair: Gustav Fouche for Michael Van Clarke
Make Up: Amalie Russell for Bobbi Brown Cosmetics
Nails: Vanessa Williams for Ciaté Nails
