Please tell our readers about your view of beauty. How has it changed over the years?
Like all people, I'm challenged by what I look like. As I've matured, though, my approval of my appearance has grown exponentially.
I would love to hear more about your motivation behind the cover that you did for More magazine. Even though everyone knows that cover images are airbrushed and treated with liberal amounts of Photo Shop, it's hard not to look at the model and then in the mirror, and feel that we (as women) look inferior.
I had recently co-authored a children's book – I'm Gonna Like Me, A Little Book About Self-Esteem – and wanted to acknowledge my own issues in that area. I thought that the best way to do that was to debunk the myth that had surrounded my body on film. I have flaws like everyone else, and yet I've leaed to appreciate who I am and my appearance.
Do you believe that "perfection" (in terms of beauty) is in the eye of the beholder?
Absolutely! We are all imperfect and yet perfect in our unique ways.
You've had so many hairstyles over the years, but your cropped pixie has definitely become your signature hairstyle. What made you choose this particular look?
I had a bad perm, which necessitated cutting off my hair. About halfway through the haircut, I realized that short hair suited my small, thin face to a "T". Sean [James] has taken me back to long hair many times over the years, but we've always retued to what works best with my facial shape.
What inspired you to stop dyeing your hair and show the world your silver strands?
I am very busy and never liked to spend too much time at the salon having my hair dyed. I also did not like the smells surrounding this service, plus color products always irritated my scalp. But it wasn't until my husband and attended an Oscar party in the 1990's that felt self-confident enough to stop coloring my hair. While there, my husband pointed across the room and said, "I'm looking at the most elegant woman at the party." When I realized that he was talking about Jessica Tandy, whose timeless beauty was accentuated by her naturally white hair, the "obligation" that felt to cover my gray strands just disappeared.
In Freaky Friday, you repeatedly told your "children" to "make good choices." That phrase impacted me in two ways: (1) couldn't help but believe that it was a phrase that you used in real life. And, (2) now use the same phrase when talking to my son every time he leaves our home! Would you like to comment on this phrase?
You're absolutely right. I ad-libbed that line in Freaky Friday. It's a phrase – and a reminder – that seems to apply to everyone, everywhere, regardless of his or her age.
Your words will be read by thousands of creative readers (hairstylists, makeup artists and more) throughout the globe. What bit of advice would you like to give all of us in terms of creating a positive and beautiful career?
Have a true work ethic. Never think that you're better than someone else. And, above all else, always trust your instincts.
editorial/celebrity stylist
MEET THE ARTIST WHO MAKES JAMIE LEE CURTIS’ HAIR LOOK DROP-DEAD GORGEOUS!
He’s one of the most successful dressers in the world today, but you would never know it by talk-ing to him. How so? “I feel so grateful for every good thing that has come my way,” Sean James relates. “I’ve been able to travel the world many times; do amazing shoots with equally amazing people; create hair looks and lead teams for major fashion runway shows; and, of course, work at Fred Segal salon in Los Angeles where I take care of loads of everyday people in addition to my celebrity clients.
But one of the very best things that has happened to me from a personal and professional point-of-view was becoming Jamie Lee Curtis’ stylist and friend nearly 15 years ago. She’s a loyal and giving person who’s humble, down-to-earth and truly cares about people. When I had two back surgeries last year, Jamie came over to look after me; she cooked me deli-cious meals and made sure that I was getting the care that I needed during my recovery periods. Needless to say, I would walk to the ends of the earth for her.”
James’ voice sounds a bit scratchy…even tired...as he relates his compelling tale. This isn’t surprising, though, consid-ering that he’d just arrived home from a two-day press jun-ket with Curtis for her new movie, You Again? “We flew to New York, got up each moing at 4:30 to prep Jamie before she did guest appearances on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Joy Behar Show, Today Show, Rachel Ray, and more. Jamie also did at least 25 satellite interviews on the second day of her tour. The first evening, James and Curtis also attended a formal dinner in Curtis’ honor at the Hearst Publications’ headquarters in Manhattan. And, the second evening, James was the lead stylist for the Minnie Mortimer spring runway show.
“My career is often defined by these great experiences, but to be honest, there’s no place like home [Los Angeles],” smiles James. “I love working at a salon where my life is cre-ative yet predictable. I adore teaching editorial/photograph-ic classes at Fred Segal so other stylists can lea how to work beauty magic for the camera. And, like many other beauty pros, I truly love my clients…especially Jamie Lee Curtis.”
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