TED GIBSON SALON
When renowned celebrity stylist Ted Gibson decided to expand beyond his eponymous New York City salon, he eschewed typical choices like Los Angeles and Chicago in favor of a place that was all about welcoming change: Washington, D.C. "With all the excitement happening there now, everyone is saying that D.C. is the new L.A.," Gibson says. "I wanted to bring some New York City sensibility and edge to a traditionally conservative market." The new 4,000-square-foot salon is just outside the city in upscale Chevy Chase, MD, where neighbors include stores like Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Jimmy Choo.
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The salon's decor features the branded Ted Gibson look—brown banquettes and signature orchids—but has a special D.C. vibe, highlighted by a huge image of the city's famous cherry blossoms. There's also a sleek L'Oréal Professionnel color bar, sliding glass doors and one of the country's only L'Oréal Professionnel Homme centers, a separate area that caters exclusively to men and has a staff specially trained in men's grooming techniques. "Guys like to look good, too, and they don't always want to go to barbershops," Gibson says.
Along with a normal salon menu of hair and nail services, clients can take advantage of the space's other inhabitant, Hela Spa, which shares a reception area with the salon and offers a full range of medical spa services and surgery consultations. "There aren't very many places where clients can go to get a mani/pedi, blow-out and Botox all at the same time," Gibson says.
Unlike the Manhattan location, which carries only Ted Gibson products, the Ted Gibson Salon in D.C. also retails L'Oréal Professionnel and Phyto products. "In order to expand my own brand, I wanted to partner with other great brands," Gibson says. —L.M.