French-born Julien d’Ys is one of the most prolific and influential hair stylists working today, having long collaborated with the likes ofAnnie Leibovitz, Yohji Yamamoto, David Sims, and John Galliano. It was said to be Julien’s dramatic crop that launched the career of supermodel Linda Evangelista in the late 1980s, and it was his hand who crafted the dramatic Marie-Antoinette wigs in the Costume Institute’s 2009 “Model as Muse” exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

As a supporter of the stylist’s dramatic hair and wig creations since the 1990s, Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons has invited Julien to showcase his first painting exhibition in Paris this month, revealing new depth to the artistic talents of this dynamic creative. Having practiced a love of photography, sculpture and painting alongside his career in hair, Julien has amassed an impressive portfolio of portraiture, life drawing and other abstract representations of his theatrical vision.

In addition to his paintings, the show will include many of Julien’s most iconic wigs created in collaboration with Comme des Garçons – some of which have been flown in from their recent showing at the MET.

From June 23rd – July 13th, 2011
Monday – Saturday, 11am – 7pm
Comme des Garçons, 54 Rue du Faubourg St Honoré, 75008 Paris

Above: Julien d’Ys in his studio, photographed by Ilker Akyol

Above: Gold wigs by Julien d’Ys, photographed by Ilker Akyol

Above: Julien d’Ys sketches, photographed by Arno Frugier

Above: Julien d’Ys sketches, photographed by Arno Frugier
Top image: Julien d’Ys and Raquel Zimmerman photographed by Annie Leibovitz, 2008.