While his magnetic personality, toned physique and impeccable style could easily make him a natural star, Quintin Hardy decided a long time ago that he would rather groom than be groomed. "My family still has pictures of me at five doing hair," says Hardy, now 26. "My mom had long, flowy hair and I'd style it into Farrah Fawcett feathers. She was my first official muse." It would be a while, though, before he took styling seriously. After spending his early childhood in Germany, Hardy and his family moved to Virginia, where the preacher's son tried his hand at an array of different pursuits, from football to music marketing, the latter of which brought Hardy -- with no money and no connections -- to New York City.
Hardy managed to land an internship at Universal Records, which led to a job at Motown, where his duties included organizing photo shoots inspired him to start up with an old pastime: hair styling. He quit his job and took on an apprenticeship with seasoned stylist Amoy Pitters. The risky move proved profitable. Soon Victoria Gotti, Queen Latifah, Beyoncé and Naomi Campbell came calling, and today his list of devotees includes Iman, Zoe Kravitz and Kimora Lee Simmons, among others. Hardy's talent is crafting luxurious looks that transform his clients from good to gorgeous. But his true allure is his sink-side manner: patient listening, spot-on advice and colorful stories. Now, a larger audience may soon experience the eccentric and charming personality that has seduced his celeb clientele for years. "There might be a television show," Hardy shares reticently. When pumped for more details, he continues, "It's not confirmed, so I can't say any more." It looks as though the groomer may become one of the groomed after all.
-ZANDILE BLAY
Quintin wears a suit by Yohji Yamamoto, sunglasses by Christian Dior, bracelet by lia sophia and earrings by Sol Rafael.
Editorial courtesy of Papermag.com
