His last great “worldly fairy” were the Golden Globes and is now preparing for the Oscars. For Renato Campora, palermitan hairstylist transplanted to Los Angeles for over twenty years, working with movie stars is now a consolidated custom. His portfolio includes names such as Jessica Chastain, Selena Gomez, Angelina Jolie, Kate Hudson, Amanda Seyfried, Rosé, Halle Berry, Michelle Yeoh, Naomi Watts, Gal Gadot, Kate Winslet, Jennifer Lopez, Charlize Theron, Jessica Alba, Demi Moore. Son of art – his father had a salon in Palermo – Campora built his path between Paris, New York and finally Hollywood, transforming a passion born young in an international career.
Renato, when is his “American dream” born?
Born in Paris. I moved there from Palermo at the end of the 1980s and lived ten years immersed in fashion. It was there that I discovered the world of backstage hairstylists, parades, photo shoots. I was already a hairdresser, but Paris opened a new universe. I started as an assistant, watching and learning from the great. That’s where I realized I wanted to do this job at a higher level.
And then the meeting with Hollywood?
In 2000, I moved to New York. I was still working in fashion when I met Liv Tyler for a shoot. From that moment on, my path to the cinema began. Hollywood changed my way. Working with actresses is different: there is more pressure, more visibility, but also a huge satisfaction in contributing to the construction of their public image.
What is the difference between fashion and cinema?
Fashion can be more conceptual, more extreme. Cinema requires a more narrative glamour, more iconic. When I started working with actresses like Jessica Chastain I wondered where the real Hollywood look ended: the glossy waves, the femininity film, that aura that had great dives. I resumed that classic elegance and made it contemporary.
How does a look like Selena Gomez’s helmet start?
Selena’s helmet was a real personality change. It’s not just a cut, it’s a message. When you decide on such a net look, you study the person, the moment you are experiencing, the project you are promoting. That type of bob also influenced the subsequent trends. When a figure like Selena Gomez changes image, the audience follows it.
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And with actresses like Angelina Jolie?
With women like Angelina Jolie the job is even more delicate. They have a strong, almost iconic presence. The task of hairstylist is not overwhelmed, but exalt. With her work on minimal details: texture, movement, shine. Sometimes a softer wave or a different line is enough to completely change the effect.
How much do they dialogue dress, make-up and hair on the red carpet?
It’s a teamwork. Often the dress is decided at the last moment. With Jessica Chastain, for example, we always valuate the color, the silhouette, the final effect under the lights. Hair is the final touch: they must harmonize everything and at the same time define personality.
Are the stars really capricious?
I wouldn’t talk about whims. It’s a stressful environment. There is a huge pressure before leaving on a red carpet. I learned how to keep calm, talk little and create a serene atmosphere. Peace is part of my work.
How much do your Sicilian roots count?
Very much. I started working at 12 in the family hall. Palermo taught me discipline and sacrifice. I never had any doubts: I grew a hairdresser and died a hairdresser.
How important is culture in its work?
Basic. Studio art, photography, cinema. Knowing the past allows you to innovate. The waves inspired by classic cinema, timeless glamour, everything was born from there.
What advice would you give to a young Hollywood dreamer?
Always believe in what he does, especially in difficult times. Be constant, serious, prepared. This is a work of passion but also of discipline. When you really learn the job, no one can take it away.
From the Palermo of the eighties to the red carpet next to Selena Gomez, Jessica Chastain and Angelina Jolie, Renato Campora represents the Italian elegance that managed to conquer Hollywood without losing its roots.
L’articolo Renato Campora, the hairstylist of stars between Golden Globes and Oscar proviene da IlNewyorkese.
