COUP Boston September 2013

SEPTEMBER 2013

FALL IGNITES the food the frisson the fashion

CONTENTS & DEPARTMENTS

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

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CURATED // PURPLE REIGN

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COUP DE GRÂCE // THE DEFENDING CHAMPION One woman has put Massachusetts at the center of the nation’s rapidly changing conversation about sexual assault.

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SOCIETY // THE FRONT ROW Who wore what, when, and why. And more importantly, how they made the party better for it.

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TABLE // WORD OF MOUTH A brigade of the 10 most promising new restaurants from established talents is about to hit Boston this fall. Stand by, but have your forks at the ready.

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ARMOIRE // FADE TO BLACK The brilliantly hued foliage about to descend on our city deserves some contrast to stand out against it.

This fall, fashion has a dark side.

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THE COVER photographed by JOEL BENJAMIN art directed & styled by JOSEPH GORDON CLEVELAND hair by JILL COLWELL makeup by STACEY FRASCA, USING STUDIO 28 COSMETICS featuring ERICA A., MAGGIE INC.

Between fine and fashion jewelry, you’ll find...

180 Linden Street, Wellesley, MA 02482 | 781.416.1800 | trustyourimpulse.com

Alexandra Hall Editor-in-Chief Joseph Gordon Cleveland Creative Director Austyn Ellese Mayfield Managing Editor Michael Blanding Editor-at-Large MICHAEL TrOTMAN Copy Editor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Katherine Bowers Amanda Hark Robin Hauck Jolyon Helterman Bernard Leed Erin Byers Murray Lisa Pierpont STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Marie Wu CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Joel Benjamin Sadie Dayton Conor Doherty Tristan Govignon Christopher Huang Eric Levin Russ Mezikofsky Bob Packert Cory Stierley Matt Thoman Jessica Weiser ART & DESIGN INTERN Alexa Robertiello EDITORIAL INTERNS Diana Burmistrovich Christina Giannopoulos Basia Gordon Valeria Navarro Kelsey Prisby Heidi Rose CHERYL KAUFMAN Senior Client Manager TO ADVERTISE, CONTACT salut@coupboston.com COUPBOSTON.COM 20 Park Plaza, Suite 1105 Boston, MA 02116

join oscar adames, j brand’s fit specialist, to find your perfect pair of denim from the women’s and men’s fall collections.

wednesday, september 25th styling appointments 11am – 5pm 34 langley road newton, ma 02459

thursday, september 26th styling appointments 11am – 5pm 218 newbury street boston, ma 02116

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR / COUP BOSTON / SEPTEMBER 2013

environmental change I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard it from fellow Bostonians—and I always agree: September is our answer to New Year’s Eve. It’s our version of the ultimate fresh start.

It’s when we, as arguably the smartest city in the country, get our mojo back. And when we quit being sloths (as much fun as that was for a few months) and kick back into high intellectual gear, turn up the volume on our inner voice, and start working again … much like the brainiacs who came before us in this region and loved writing about this time of year. (Don’t even get literary dorks like me started on Frost, Lowell, Thoreau, etc., or this editor’s letter will take me forever to get through.) Because between the moving vans that inevitably get stuck under the Storrow Drive bridges and the infusion of energy that returning students bring to our streets, the ultimate point is this: The turning of this particular season is always rather a huge deal for all of us.

And speaking of huge deals: I want to say that it’s with genuine sadness that with this issue, we see Joseph Gordon Cleveland depart CB. He’s been one of the biggest influences this magazine will ever see. As creative director, he didn’t just choose fonts, oversee fashion shoots, or design pages—though he did all that. He also sat down with me for marathon work sessions so we could make sure we produced the best direction we could for a new kind of publication trying to change the city. He’s a visionary, an enfant terrible, a magnificent talent, a true original, and also a dear friend.

And when he thought I was wrong, he told me so. And vice versa. That’s the kind of working relationship you always hope to have with anyone, and you’re lucky if you ever get to have it. And I did. For that, and for the heart and soul he’s poured into CB and into everything he does as a person, I

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>>> The editor, getting ready to dive into her favorite season.

don’t know how to even begin to thank him enough. He deserves a high-five from not just the CB staff and me, but from anyone in town who relishes great ideas.

But enough navel gazing. September means it’s time to roll up our sleeves again. This is fall: Boston’s New Year.

And yep, it’s on.

Alexandra Hall Editor-in-Chief alex@coupboston.com

94 Central Street Wellesley, MA 02482 (781) 237-7010 grettaluxe.com

PROENZA SCHOULER STELLA McCARTNEY VERONICA BEARD PHILLIP LIM MICHAEL KORS DEREK LAM BALENCIAGA A.L.C. BARBARA BUI HELMUT LANG CHRIS BENZ EDUN CAMILLA JAMES

Proenza Schouler Pre-Fall 2013

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SEPTEMBER 2013 / COUP BOSTON / CURATED

CURATED

What the finicky editorial COUP crew is donning, devouring, hoarding, imbibing, inhaling, and generally lusting after right now.

by ALEXANDrA hall and Austyn ellese mayfield

1. The Fashion Insiders’ Guide to Paris It used to be that you had to be a personal friend of Paris Vogue correspondent Carole Sabas to get her advice on how to spend your days in the City of Light. But huzzah for book deals! This handy guide is full of expert tips on the must-visit spots for beauty, shopping, art, and more. $18 at barnesandnoble.com —AUSTYN ELLESE MAYFIELD,

MANAGING EDITOR 2. Anastasia Beverly Hills Hypercolor Brow and Lash Tint Unless you’re a ’tween pop star, purple highlights are standard NSFW territory; but there’s likely nothing in the HR handbook about adding a flash of intense color to your lashes. $18 at sephora.com —AEM 3. Chantal Thomass Encens' Moi Bra and Bikini TSA swears those X-ray securitycheckpoint scanners are keeping things strictly platonic. But just in case, I’m opting to strike my three-second pose in something worthy of being seen. $65–$115 at journelle.com —AEM

4. Hettle Textiles Watercolor Pillow With a design that evokes the Rorschach test, these pillows are hand-dyed and made of supersoft cotton. The better to relax and psychoanalyze yourself at the same time. $78 at room68online.com —AEM 5. Domitalia Echo Chair Alberto Arter and Fabrizio Citton of the Italian studio Arter & Citton designed this ergonomic, steelframed seat for ultimate comfort.

Nab one in lilac, and rest assured you’ll be sitting pretty. $280 at fab.com —ALEXANDRA HALL, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 6. Bright Blooming Skull Tray How better to serve up a little dark beauty? Intricate flowers and an ever-so-slightly foreboding skull bring a blend of sass and artistic statement to the dinner table. $66 at fab.com —AH

7. Christian Louboutin Sweet Charity Bag Don’t let the attitude-heavy conical studs and chain fool you: CL’s latest leather number has a sweet side— courtesy of the iconic, signature bow. $1,295 at saksfifthavenue.com —AH 8. Kate Somerville Goat Milk Cream Ancient Egyptians used to heal skin with goat milk. We modern folk can follow suit with this nutrient-rich daily moisturizer, infused with milk proteins, vitamins, and amino acids. $55 at neimanmarcus.com —AH 9. Paul Andrew Nya Heels In case you wrongly assumed that you didn’t need a pair of purple Italian suede open-toe heels to round out your fall wardrobe, consider yourself (fabulously) corrected. $865 at barneys.com —AEM

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Seats so luxurious, you’ll sit through the credits.

A Luxury Cinema & Dining Experience THE STREET | 55 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill | ShowcaseSUPERLUX.com

CO M I N G T H I S J U N E

LEAD COUNsel Stacy Malone heads Boston’s Victim Rights Law Center.

SEPTEMBER 2013 / COUP BOSTON / COUP DE GRÂCE

The Defending Champion

One woman has put Massachusetts at the center of the nation’s rapidly changing conversation about sexual assault.

by ALEXANDRA HALL photographed by MATT THOMAN

It was a heady moment, the spring day in 2011 when Stacy Malone strode off her plane in Washington, DC, to meet with Vice President Joe Biden. He had called the executive director of the Boston-based Victim Rights Law Center (VRLC) to talk specifically about the center’s work in preventing campus sexual assault.

And so she spoke to some of our country’s foremost leaders about the legal complaints that she and fellow lawyers have filed against schools for failing to protect their students—and keeping the issue hidden under a shroud of secrecy. “They should be teaching kids about what sexual violence is, not just hiring campus police,” Malone explains. “That’s what we all need to be doing— educating and having a conversation, because that’s the only way to prevent it from happening.”

In fact, that idea is the driving force behind all of the center’s exhaustive (and exhausting) civil law work to protect victims since it was founded here in 2000.

The nonprofit provides legal services in Massachusetts to more than 400 people a year. And not just on campuses. “Each individual has multiple needs, so they need a different kind of lawyer,” Malone says. “Maybe they’re here on a visa and need an immigration lawyer. Maybe they need a lawyer to help them break their lease if they were raped in their apartment. Or an employment lawyer to change their work location if they were raped by a co-worker.”

In addition to having attorneys on staff, the organization partners up with most of the city’s top law firms, which donate their work after Malone trains and mentors them on how to represent victims. “We’re all lawyers, but we’re so shockingly different people,” she laughs. “The thing we all have in common is that we could feel that this movement against sexual violence has to happen.”

Malone herself started out with the VRLC as one

such volunteer lawyer specializing in employment law. “Before I took my first volunteer case in 1981, I didn’t know anything about sexual assault,” she says.

“I couldn’t believe that the law could help people like this.” Not long after signing on, she decided to join the board.

Then the economic downturn hit, and the number of victims who needed help shot way up. “During a crash, there’s even more violence,” Malone explains.

“So we just couldn’t close our doors. In a crisis like that, I just felt like we have to get through this. I didn’t know what the hell I was doing, but there’s no way the center was going to close on our watch.” Even after a furlough was issued, everyone on staff simply stayed on and volunteered anyway.

Since then, the group has redoubled its efforts to not only defend victims, but also to stop the crimes from happening in the first place by encouraging a public dialogue about the problem. “The solution to sexual violence is both accountability and having the conversation,” says Malone. “It’s hard to talk about sexual violence, but we have to be willing to. Because if we’re talking about it, and if people aren’t afraid to come forward, it’s going to happen less.”

To that end, on September 19, the center will hold its annual Shining Star: Step Into The Light Gala (this magazine is a media sponsor of the event), which will honor both victims who’ve been brave enough to step forward and report crimes as well as the people who’ve defended them. And a star no lesser than Ashley Judd will take the stage as keynote speaker.

“We’re providing guidance on the national level.

Now we’re making more headway against sexual violence than ever before,” Malone says with no small amount of deserved pride. “I feel like we’re changing the world, and I don’t say that lightly.”

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ALL THE ARTS. ALL THE COCKTAILS. ONCE A MONTH.

SEPTEMBER 2013 / COUP BOSTON / SOCIETY

THE FRONT ROW It was anything but your typical restaurant event.

The triumphant reopening of Forum, which so many in Boston had been eagerly awaiting, finally happened last month. One of the bombs that went off last spring on Marathon Monday did so directly outside its doors, so not only was its staff some of the first to help victims, but the restaurant itself was all but decimated. In the months during its renovation, wellwishers piled signs of support and balloons at its door. So when the two-floor space was finally repaired, Bostonians from both in and outside the restaurant community flocked to herald its comeback. The result was part celebration, part memorial, and all parts unifying. photographed by MARIE WU

SOCIETY / COUP BOSTON / SEPTEMBER 2013

the venue FORUM REOPENING PARTY FORUM June 8, 2013

This page, top to bottom: Carlos Arredondo; Gabriel Alves, Christina Gallardo, Christine Haddad, Yolanda Crowell, Party Sweeney.

Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Christina Gallardo, Christine Haddad, Yolanda Crowell will onuoha, Party Sweeney, Lisa Hills; Marcela Garcia, Adriana Ardila, Luba Gorelick, George Donnelly.

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PORSCHE OF WESTWOOD 420 PROVIDENCE HIGHWAY, ROUTE 1

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SEPTEMBER 2013 / COUP BOSTON / TABLE

word of mouth A brigade of the 10 most promising new restaurants from established talents is about to hit Boston this fall. Stand by, but have your forks at the ready.

by ALEXANDRA HALL

Once upon a time, fall previews were all about the excitement of new art shows and entertainment. But if ever there was proof that local food culture has ascended in our collective consciousness, it’s right at this very minute—when word of the imminent arrival of a fresh crop of new restaurants has the town seriously abuzz and starving for more intel. Well, here it is: the lowdown on one of the most concentrated groups of eatery openings Boston’s seen in a very long while.

Opening dates on most are still a bit squirrelly (hey, what else is new; welcome to the restaurant industry), but all are expected to be open by the holidays.* What’s more, the majority of these ten newcomers are either sibling restaurants or from very established chefs, which means enough is already known about their origins to hypothesize about how they’ll be received. It’s a rare opportunity to throw down a few bets, so they’re listed in order of just how hungry I am to get into each. And to start chowing down. *Where phone and/or website are not listed, they were not yet available at the time of publication.

1. Alden & Harlow

After raising the bar on the entire charcuterie genre (that terrine of foie gras zapped with Laphroaig still haunts our dreams) during his reign over the kitchen at Harvard Square’s Russell House Tavern, chef Michael Scelfo’s now on the cusp of opening his own sure-toimpress joint, housed just a stone’s throw from the Russell House in Casablanca’s former (now renovated) building. It’s where you’ll find him whipping up decidedly homey dishes, all of them no doubt laced with his signature playful creativity.

40 Brattle St., Cambridge, aldenandharlow.com.

2. Bondir Concord

If the last meal we had at chef Jason Bond’s hand is any indication, then Cambridge’s food cult figure is also about to convert the ’burbs to his cause. Bond’s highly conceptual—but still restrained and farm-focused—dishes should square nicely with Concord’s famed pride in its agriculture, history, and simplicity. Thoreau, I’m betting, would have approved.

24 Walden St., Concord.

3. Row 34

What has the Island Creek Oyster crew touched that hasn’t turned to gold? Pretty much nothing, thus far. First there was their Duxbury aqua farm that supplies bivalves to some of the nation’s finest restaurants, then the always-packed Kenmore Square flagship oyster bar, and now the team is kicking out an outpost in Fort Point sometime in late fall.

Smaller in scale and simpler in its menu than the first restaurant, Row 34 is named after a new method of oyster farming that Island Creek has developed to yield oysters that taste notably different than their signature product.

In other words, the place is an offshoot named after an offshoot. And these guys have yet to miss a shot.

383 Congress St., Boston, row34.com.

Gatsby–inspired interior (big brass chandeliers, smoked-out glass, and stenciled blond wood floors) dreamed up by celeb designer Taniya Nayak, the whole shebang promises an intriguing high-low combo.

142 Berkeley St., Boston.

5. Sarma

No one quibbles that chef Ana Sortun has more than earned her title as the city’s Spice Girl; she’s spent decades pushing diners’ palates with intricately and creatively seasoned food at Oleana and then Sofra Bakery & Cafe. And now comes this, another Med-inspired and 4. Back Bay Harry’s Middle Eastern–centric incarnation near The Blue Inc. chef Jason Santos got funky Union Square, rolling out small sharing plates with his modern American fixings. Then at of meze. Sign me up.

Abbey Lane, he went more traditional. But 249 Pearl St., Somerville. he’ll be back to his roots, taking more chances at Harry’s, where cheeky spins on casual stalwarts will be the order of the day. (Meatloaf 6. The Kirkland Tap & Wellington? Yes, please. And instead of Trotter chicken and waffles, you’ll find honey-glazed At Craigie on Main (and before that, Craigie doughnuts in a barbecue syrup.) Housed in Street Bistro), chef Tony Maws hasn’t exactly the former Geoffrey’s and sporting a Great made his name on Sunday supper fare. But

HUNGER STRIKES Clockwise from top left: Chef Todd Winer's signature pasta; Frost Ice Bar; the bar at Beat Hôtel; sinks at the Beat Hôtel loo; Chef Michael Scelfo.

Winer has always excelled at—streamlined but flavor-intense creations that put the focus on a few key ingredients.

345 Congress St., Boston.

9. The Beat Hôtel

From the folks who brought us The Beehive in the South End now comes The Beat Hôtel in the People’s Republic, which will employ a similarly boho equation, this time with a flophouse-chic decor (it’s named for a rundown, erstwhile Parisian hotel frequented by Beat writers and artists). Expect plenty of live music and the culinary stylings of Rebecca Newell (who’s coming over from The Beehive, in fact), a club-cum-brasserie—all but guaranteed to be catnip to an eclectic cross section of Harvard Squarians.

13 Brattle St., Cambridge, 7. Commonwealth Fresh from his post as exec chef of Fenway 617-499-0001, beathotel.com.

Park, Nookie Postal (who’s also worked at Icarus, Chez Henri, and Casablanca) is set to come out swinging with a homey and kid- 10. Frost Ice Bar friendly dining room folded in with a takeout/ Sure, it’s a bit on the gimmicky side. Not to grocery market. Funding and construction mention, as a general rule, I do nearly anyhave been a somewhat dicey production thus thing possible to avoid Faneuil Hall bars. far, but given Postal’s talent and dedication, Furthermore, it’s not a restaurant, per se. once doors open, I’ll be one of the first in line. So why did it make the list? Because… a bar made almost entirely of ice? That’s literally 11 Broad Canal Way, Cambridge. too cool to resist visiting at least once. Kept at 21 degrees, the just-opened Frost Ice Bar is the world’s largest permanent indoor version 8. Pastoral Toward the tail end of fall, Fort Point will score of the novelty phenom. Tickets are required to again on the gastronomic front when chef Todd get in to swig cocktails served in glasses made Winer (alum of The Met Club and a former of ice, and to ogle the elaborately carved ice Todd English disciple) flings open the doors of furnishings—the chandelier, the sculptures, his much-anticipated bistro, where he’ll sling and lounge seating where guests, well, chill Neapolitan pizzas, peasant-style dishes, and out. handmade pastas. And that’s precisely what Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston, 617-307-7331, FrostIceBar.com. there was always an element of it in there; alongside the sophisticated, internationally inspired dishes and whole-animal ethos, there’s always a chance of spotting fried clams, say, or a killer burger. At his next—and notably funkier—hangout, it’s all about the simple and low-priced stuff. Pass the fire-roasted chicken.

425 Washington St., Somerville, 857-259-6585, kirklandtapandtrotter.com.

bliss spa W Boston, 100 Stuart Street 617 261 8747 www.blissworld.com

Join us in Changing our Nation’s Response to Sexual Violence!

The Shining Star Gala September 19, 2013

featuring Keynote Speaker Actress and Humanitarian

Ashley Judd

For information, tickets or sponsorship opportunities, please contact: Stacy Malone at Victim Rights Law Center 617.399.6720 x20 or smalone@victimrights.org

www.victimrights.org

Stacy Malone, Executive Director of Victim Rights Law Center and Congresswoman Niki Tsongas, to be honored at the Shining Star Gala 2013

FADE to BLACK The brilliantly hued foliage about to descend on our city deserves some contrast to stand out against it.

This fall, fashion has a dark side.

photographed by JOEL BENJAMIN art directed & styled by JOSEPH GORDON CLEVELAND

SEPTEMBER 2013 / COUP BOSTON / ARMOIRE

Dress, PRICE UPON REQUEST, at ISOUDE. MARCIA MORAN NECKLACE, $220, at MOXIE. 31

this page T BY ALEXANDER WANG DRESS, $325, AT THE TANNERY. VANESSA BRUNO ATHÉ SWEATER , $370, AT DRESS. opposite page SHEER YOKE FRINGE TOP, $2,555, at ISOUDE. BELT, $565, AT DANIELA CORTE.

ASHBERRY JACKET, $465, and NATALIE DRESS, $360. BOTH AT REISS. TORN PRINTED PEPLUM TOP (WORN OVER DRESS), $276, AT THE TANNERY. LEATHER LEGGINGS, $1,050 AT ISOUDE. 34

SEPTEMBER 2013 / COUP BOSTON / ARMOIRE

this page SHEER TOP, PRICE UPON REQUEST, AT DANIELA CORTE. LEATHER LEGGINGS , $1,050, AT ISOUDE. opposite page BALMAIN $3,250, $650, 3.1 PHILLIPDRESS, LIM SWEATER, at Riccardi.

AND T BY ALEXANDER WANG DRESS (WORN AS SKIRT), $1,195.

BOTH AT THE TANNERY. 42

TOP WITH SHEER PANELS, $115, AT REISS. SKIRT, PRICE UPON REQUEST, AT DANIELA CORTE. 38

JUNE SEPTEMBER & JULY 2013 / COUP BOSTON / ARMOIRE

VANESSA BRUNO ATHÉ SWEATER , $290, AT DRESS. IVORY SILK BLOUSE, PRICE UPON REQUEST, AT DANIELA CORTE. TORN SKIRT, $200, AND RAG & BONE LEATHER PANTS, $990.

BOTH AT THE TANNERY. TORY BURCH SHOES, $475, AT MOXIE. 40

Photographed by JOEL BENJAMIN Art Directed & Styled by JOSEPH GORDON CLEVELAND Hair by JILL COLWELL, STUDIO 28 Makeup by STACEY FRASCA, USING STUDIO 28 COSMETICS Art Director’s Assistants MICHELLE OUELLETTE, ALEXA ROBERTIELLO Featuring ERICA A., MAGGIE INC. >>> WHERE TO SHOP DANIELA CORTE 211 Newbury Street, Boston (617) 262-2100 DRESS 70 Charles Street, Boston (617) 248-9910 ISOUDE 142 Bellevue Avenue, Newport (401) 619-5775 MOXIE 51 charles Street , Boston (617) 557-9991 REISS 132 Newbury Street, Boston (617) 262-5800 THE TANNERY 711 Boylston Street, Boston (617) 267-5500

T BY ALEXANDER WANG DRESS, $325, AND RAG & BONE LEATHER PANTS, $990.

BOTH AT THE TANNERY. VANESSA BRUNO ATHÉ SWEATER , $370, AT DRESS. 42

R partner spotlight >>>

REBELS WITH A CAUSE

No one expected Eva Mustafai and Michelle Lee to team up and create an entirely new kind of salon culture.

But as anyone who’s been to Salon Eva Michelle knows, almost nothing the duo does is what’s expected.

SEPTEMBER 2013 / COUP BOSTON / SPONSORED FEATURE

Inner Space The modern but warm design of Salon Eva Michelle.

Photograph by Eric Levin.

“

WE STILL CAN’T BELIEVE HOW QUICKLY IT ALL HAPPENED...

NO ONE EXPECTED US TO BE ABLE TO DO IT.

”

Sometimes, it takes a trip out of town to inspire change back home. That’s what happened one night in 2011, over the course of dinner in Chicago. Eva Mustafai and Michelle Lee had been sent there together by the Boston salon they both worked for to attend a Vidal Sassoon education program. After a couple of drinks, they started brainstorming about what each of their dream salons would be like.

“We both had the exact same vision,” recalls Lee, who had been in the industry since 1998, initially working as a salon manager, then switching over to become a stylist. “Education is a huge part of both of our work. And we wanted our staff to constantly evolve and learn new things. So it wouldn’t be the usual, ‘This is your client, this is mine.’ It would be a place where the entire staff would just feel comfortable backing each other. And clients feel good about us collaborating and sharing ideas.”

Moreover, they envisioned that emphasis on education yielding a very different kind of salon culture. “It would be the kind of place that clients want to keep coming back to because of how the entire staff works together, not because of any one person,” adds Mustafai, who came to the States from Albania in ’97 and both worked as an award-winning stylist and taught advanced hair classes. She points out that half the battle of creating a top-notch hair experience for the client is eliminating the interpersonal drama that goes on

at so many salons where the vibe is more competitive than collaborative. “We want people to walk in and be said hello to by everyone, not just their own stylist,” she adds. “They should feel like they’re a guest in your house, and have a very personal experience.”

The two women relished the fantasy of that ideal coming to fruition. But it seemed a long way away. Until, suddenly, it wasn’t.

In March of 2011, the pair decided to go for it. Almost immediately, they found the perfect location, and as soon as October of that year, Salon Eva Michelle was open.

“We still can’t believe how quickly it all happened,” says Mustafai. “It was a shocker. We were always so busy with work.

No one expected us to be able to do it.” That’s particularly understandable given the ambitious scope of the new spot’s design. Commensurate with the place’s underlying philosophy of openness, they drew up plans for a space with a modern, wide layout with floating mirrors in which all elements are exposed. They hired design firm Dash Marshall (co-founded

by Amy Yang, Lee’s friend since fourth grade) to architect it as an open space that literally turns the idea of a traditional salon upside down. “The black on our ceilings and white on the floor reverse the typical scenario,” says Lee. Marshall also overhauled the whole room to be able to place styling stations in the windows, which means the staff’s work can be seen front and center by anyone passing by on Newbury Street.

Other unexpected details abound: Salon Eva Michelle’s logo creates a graphic statement on the ceiling; the bathroom is hidden in the center of the room, almost like a floating spaceship; and the natural light from the windows helps stylists perfect colors and cuts. “The culture and education we embrace here overlap,” says Lee, who still also works nationally for Sebastian Professional Design Team as a Top Stylist, even while taking classes herself and overseeing classes internally at the salon. “It’s not just cutting hair for us; it’s about making it work for everybody. You could do the same cut on 10 people and it will only look good on five of them—and that’s if you’re lucky. I don’t do the same haircut on anybody.”

That emphasis on the highly personal, meanwhile, extends not only to relationships with clients and their staff, but also to the one they have with each other. “I wouldn’t have done this with anybody else,” laughs Lee. And without missing a beat, Mustafai chimes in, “And neither would I.” SALON EVA MICHELLE 118 Newbury St., Boston 617-262-8118 salonevamichelle.com

SEPTEMBER 2013 / COUP BOSTON / SPONSORED FEATURE

CUTTING EDGE Clockwise from top: The salon’s front desk and washing stations (photograph by Eric Levin); a chair perched above Newbury Street (photograph by Eric Levin); an original hair design (photograph by Cory Stierley).

AUDI WESTWOOD

420 PROVIDENCE HIGHWAY, ROUTE 1

PRIMEAUDI.COM