Fashion Influential #97: Chris McMillan

Beginnings:

In 1994, one of Chris McMillan's clients approached him about "this great girl" who "needs a little help with her hair." The girl was Friends star Jennifer Aniston who, at the time, had an awful set of '90s bangs. McMillan layered Aniston's fringe until it grew out, inadvertently creating the most popular haircut of the 1990s. The haircut came to define Aniston's character, Rachel - hence its name, "The Rachel."

Career Highs.

"The Rachel" became an international sensation, as did McMillan. He quickly became one of the most sought-after stylists in Hollywood, styling for the likes of Kate Walsh, Lindsay Lohan, and Rebecca Romjin. He remains Aniston's favorite stylist, creating the looks for her characters in Along Came Polly and The Breakup. He also straightened her locks for her 2000 wedding to Brad Pitt.

"For the past 11 years, I've done Jennifer's hair for pretty much every event. Once, when I got to her house, she still hadn't washed her hair, and her nails were wet from a manicure. I actually got in the shower and shampooed it while she held her hands up in the air. And, as you'd expect, we've been close ever since."

- Chris McMillan

Career Lows.
Despite having invented one of the most popular haircuts of all time, Chris McMillan hasn't reached the same level of name recognition as other celebrity stylists like Ken Paves or Vidal Sassoon. It's almost as if the fictional Rachel has taken all the credit for the look. Given the roster of high-profile clients who show up at his Beverly Hills salon, however, we doubt he's too worried about it.

Legacy.

McMillan's famous haircut helped change the look of the '90s. Grunge had, until the mid 90s, very much influenced hair fashion: wildness was in. McMillan's cut for Aniston perfectly matched the bare minimalism that had begun to shine on the catwalks, paving the way for a new, streamlined, sophisticated look.

Aniston's haircut was one of the most popular since Farrah Fawcett's feathered 'do.

Get the Look.

"The Rachel" is so famous any stylist will be able to give you one - but remember the look, popular almost fifteen years ago, is a bit dated. Follow McMillan's style ethic instead: he creates hairstyles based on the characters that Aniston is to portray, choosing styles to fit their personalities. Try to find a stylist who can capture how you'd like to present yourself, and you're set.
- Alicia


Source: Zimbio.com (http://www.zimbio.com/100+Most+Influential+People+in+Fashion/articles/105/Fashion+Influential+97+Chris+McMillan)
Date:December 12, 2008
Author: Alicia

About Chris Mcmillan

Hairdresser CHRIS McMILLAN is Hollywood's "Mane Man." California born and bred, McMillan doesn't follow the trends, he makes them. Allure magazine ranked him among "The Influencers," an elite group of creative artists from the world of fashion and entertainment who are most influential among their peers. "McMillan has, single-handedly, transformed the standards of red–carpet hair with his loose, low–key aesthetic—the result of years spent perfecting the tousled waves and natural texture of surfer girls."

After cutting his teeth and building his portfolio in Milan, McMillan returned home and made his mark at trend–setting Estilo, the salon of choice for Hollywood's elite. Soon his resume included an impressive collection of Hollywood A-listers. Then came a little show named Friends and an actress named Jennifer Aniston, and nothing would ever be the same again. The "Rachel" cut, as it came to be called in every fashion and entertainment publication in the world, is the haircut that launched a million imitations. Probably the most influential ‘do since the "Farrah," it catapulted McMillan to an elite circle of artists whose work both shapes and influences trends.

McMillan's work has appeared on the covers of Vogue, Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, GQ, Rolling Stone, Tatler, Harper's Bazaar and InStyle; collaboratively working with some of the industry's top photographers.

Currently dividing his time between freelance print work, commercials, movies, and overseeing operations at his salon on Beverly Hills' Burton Way, McMillan is a man and a creative mind never at rest, a homegrown talent with a worldwide following. His new product line launched in 2008 and his signature style—innovative, loose and sexy—is widely imitated, but McMillan is always one step ahead of the competition.

And, occasionally, he still finds time to go to the beach.

Source: www.chrismcmillanhair.com (http://www.chrismcmillanhair.com/about.php?pactvid=b7v721stqffsl9mf1ie2chr9of4jotl0)

The Famous Rachel DO

Part of the article "A MUST DO Hit show 'Friends' inspires hair craze"

Chris McMillan, 30, is the California stylist who created Aniston's look, as well as the layered styles of fellow cast members Courteney Cox (Monica) and Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe).

''Jennifer had long hair, and she needed a long hairstyle so I just started layering it,'' he said. ''I kind of gave it an Ann-Margret-clued-into-that-mod-'60s look. It's such a cute hairstyle. It's so sexy.''

McMillan, who works at the fashionable Estilo salon in Los Angeles, had styled a few celebs including Christian Slater before getting a break on the Friends show last year. In 1994, McMillan was working with clients at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills when the publicist for Cox dropped by and asked him to do Cox's hair.

He quickly fixed her hair in the bathroom, and she liked it so much she asked him to do it for the show, which was about to start shooting. When Aniston saw Cox's new look, she asked McMillan for a revamp, too.

''I cut (Aniston's hair) for the character, but she has to look good in her life, too, so we did it for both,'' he said.

McMillan said he has since cut the hair of all the other major cast members, guys too, some as part of a story line this fall. Phoebe cuts her friends' hair and butchers Monica.




SOURCE: Diva Colour Studio
(http://www.divacolourstudio.com/Press%20Release/PressRelease2.html)
DATE: November 19, 1995
AUTHOR: Barbara Bradley the Commercial Appeal Fashion Editor