Signature style: Cutting edge

Find your signature look and stick to it, says Greg Murrell. Picture / Carolyn Robertson

The creative touch of hair stylist Greg Murrell of Ryder Salon is in growing demand both here and overseas. The award-winning hairdresser, who runs one of Auckland's top salons, is also known for his edgy catwalk styling.

As a member of the international artistic team for haircare company KMS, Murrell is working in Spain at present, and was recently in Los Angeles working on KMS' advertising campaign for 2006.

"That's one of the things I love about working at the level I'm at. It keeps me stimulated as variety and a range of experiences are the key to creativity. I've never felt that my career should be defined as being just a haircutter. There are so many avenues that you can go down now."

Murrell began adding his signature style to the catwalk 10 years ago, and has since become a regular stylist for Zambesi's runway shows.

His wardrobe, which features top international and local labels, reflects his love of fashion and his travels overseas.

Who are your favourite fashion designers?

My favourite designer would have to be Hedi Slimane for Dior. He creates a masculine aesthetic with just the right amount of edge to it. Locally I think that Dayne Johnston is doing some great stuff for Zambesi Man.

What do you wear to work?

I generally wear tops or T-shirts with jeans or trousers, as I need to be able to move unencumbered when I am working. I like my arms to be free.

Who inspires you?

Pele, the greatest footballer ever - poetry in motion; Johan Cruyff, the best footballer to never win a World Cup - he was grace personified; The Crocodile Hunter - would you put your head in a crocodile's mouth? The Hardy Boys, intrepid teenage detectives - life is about adventure; Nana Mouskouri - find your signature look and stick to it.

What are your favourite accessories of the moment?

Seventies tooled leather belts, scarves and bracelets.

What do you wear when you're relaxing at home?

At home I love to wear old-school adidas tracksuits for that Royal Tenenbaums moment.

What is your biggest fashion indulgence?

It would have to be shoes and great jackets. Spend money on those things and you always look good.

What is the last item of clothing you bought?

A Martin Margiela peacoat from Zambesi. It's made in a heavy cotton, so is very pan-seasonal.

Who does the best men's shoes?

Costume National wins hands down for me. Great quality and a nice slim look on the foot. Lot's of men's shoes don't look elegant but Costume always get it right.

Favourite hotel?

The Viceroy in Santa Monica. It's a 60s block on Ocean Boulevard which has been totally modernised in a very cool way, juxtaposing a number of styles. Whist, the restaurant is great and there are poolside cabanas to enjoy as well. On weekends the lobby becomes a bar area and is a hot place to go out in Santa Monica.

Who are your style icons?

Gram Parsons, Keith Richards, Johnny Cash, Joe Strummer and Steve McQueen.

The essential item for winter?

Someone to cuddle up to.

Favourite store of the moment?

Selfridges in London for the overwhelming selection of everything you could ever want and probably don't need, and Dover St Market, a multi-level department store in London by Comme des Garcons, which is full of tightly edited surprises.

Best outfit ever?

I went to a country and western Christmas party as Billy Ray Cyrus. I had the hair and everything. I was King that night.

* Read more about what's happening in the world of food, wine, fashion and beauty in viva, part of your Herald print edition every Wednesday.