Meet Simone Presta & Michael Langanis, LANGANIS

Now a trailblazer in the styling business, MICHAEL LANGANIS, originally from Adelaide, moved to Brisbane in 2004. Whilst in his early teens he left on a family holiday to Europe for three months and after experiencing a family friends hair salon in Italy, Michael’s artistic nature came to life with his love of styling and music fusing into a unique profession which allowed him to master his own future without the confines of school.

Upon Michael’s return he promptly dropped out of school whilst in grade 9 in pursuit of hairdressing and his new formed yet strongly sought-after passion. After returning to Brisbane, Michael scored work in a salon in Mount Gravatt called Truc Lee Hair Design which allowed him to leave school and pursue his ideal creative future. A short six months later, Michael was working in award-winning Brisbane City salon, Vogue Nationale, which broke him into more advanced hair styling methods and encouraged his venture working with prestigious, industry-leading institutions like Sydney Fashion Week, Sydney Hair Expo, and an abundance of hair and fashion shows at an elite level. This is a kid who’s still very young yet hustling to be the best – cutting his friends hair for free after work to build his skills.

This prompted Michael to shift his focus to barbery – a business model which would offer unique services tailored to each client and with a price tag substantially less than an upmarket hairdresser. After all, it’s a faultless concept, where mates of mates come in for cuts. Michael gained some experience working in a barbershop while also keeping his styling hustle from home on the side, and once he got busy enough, he went full time all himself from home. In 2014, at only 17 and as an apprentice, Michael opened his first barbery in Brisbane’s Sunnybank called Langanis Cuts. The end goal though, was to make it to West End. In 2016 he accomplished his goal he had been passionately working towards and he opened the first ever Langanis Barber. What started as a three-person operation – Michael, his sister and an apprentice – Langanis now employs over 30 staff brand-wide.

THE STORES AND THE BRAND

Store openings: West End – 2016, Teneriffe – 2019, City – 2020. The brand name is a representation of Michael and everything his work stands for, which is why it is his family name, ‘Langanis’. The stunningly unconventional Langanis studios exceed traditional expectations of a barbershop, featuring avant-garde spaces teaming with edgy neon lighting, unparalleled urban décor and a lively and memorable atmosphere. Not only is it an energetic and inviting place that is inviting for passers-by, it also features important elements for financial success as well as aesthetic planning which is immersed in meaning. The unkind dimensions of Langanis required a compartmentalisation that would promote the entrance and front café as appealing for pedestrians in a busy thoroughfare; a central abdomen that features enough client chairs for styling; and functional washing and styling zones towards to the rear.

The precision and sharp angular characteristics of scissors are formed for each space’s unique geometry which is further fortified with vibrant lighting that pours onto industrial exposed brick walls, signifying the ever-evolving world of fashion. The culture of the brand is inclusive, energetic, stylish and creative. Langanis innovates and is consistent, but always evolved. There are no limitations for Langanis, from the studios to the product range, clothing and more. You can expect revolutionary style which boasts a uniqueness that is amplified by the confidence our clients carry our brand with. As for each studio, they have all been expertly customised to appeal to the unique nuances of the demographics in those inner-city pockets, including staff and scenery. West End is proudly alternative with outstanding hipster/ psychedelic vibes; the city is ultra-modern and ideal for the urban clientele; and Teneriffe features a more luxurious ambience. No matter which location you choose, Langanis always offers a welcoming and immersive experience.

DIGGING A LITTLE DEEPER

Langanis is proud to cater to a huge scope of clients - some even visit the studios twice a week for styling. They really welcome everyone from influencers to creatives, entrepreneurs, doctors, lawyers, artists and creatives in the music industry, fashion and more and love their clients as much as they love them. Langanis are proud to have styled so many repeat customers consistently for years now and it’s pretty epic to see the creative fusion twist and change as fashion and trends emerge being able evolve with that as a brand, which is certainly invaluable. Langanis are proud of their loyal LGBT community, especially in West End.

Store manager, Massimo Faccioli, has spearheaded fashion shows in tribute of Langanis support to the community and is always rolling out awesome alternative trends there and in the city. In terms of sponsorship, they have sponsored international staff from overseas for years to join the group in managing stores, styling, and so on. In fact, Langanis now co-owner SIMONE PRESTA was initially on a working holiday visa when he started as a barista. Award-winning team member, Lotus Mouginous originally from Nimbin, started at the age of 13 and is now managing the newest location in the CBD after just recently turning 18! The design of the Langanis Brisbane City studio is currently shortlisted as a finalist in the Interior Design for Excellence Awards (IDEA). The outcome will be confirmed in the coming weeks. Langanis have partnered with Red Bull, Jameson, Teeth Too Fresh as well as a variety of local artists, musicians and top male models and influencers to name a few. In addition, they have sponsored and hosted charity events including; World’s Greatest Shave, Men’s Mental Health Awareness and the Leukaemia foundation. They are also proud to support World Vision since the opening of West End sponsoring children overseas.

THE ENGINE ROOM

Langanis Barber employs over 30 staff in house and has an outside team working very closely on a constant basis including videographers, photographers and marketing creatives. Langanis dedicates an extensive amount of time to in house training to uphold the highest standard of quality in their barbers. There is an in-depth training program with yearly curriculums set out and tailored from the first years to the premier stylists. This is an absolute priority being crucial to upholding the level of skill and keeping ahead with the fast paced and innovate industry.

PRODUCTS AND TOOLS

Langanis’ also have their own range of Premium Men’s Hair products. Hair wax which offers salon-fresh styles at home, for clients who want to keep their new styles as sleek as possible until their next visit. Granite - created for a strong and gritty textured finish. Sandstone - built to give hair an effortless, and volumed finish; extremely valuable and easy to use. The Langanis Hair product line is currently stocked in the Unites States, United Arab Emirates, New Zealand and Australia.

WHAT SETS LANGANIS APART

Langanis is known for its well-known “Langanis Cut” which is recognised as their signature look. It’s a textured choppy cut ultising advanced scissor work either wearing the fringe up or down with hair hanging over the sides of the undercut coming into a heavier natural crown at the back to create an effortless and chilled look. Keep an eye out, you’ll spot it around.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR LANGANIS

The original salon, starting it all - West End studio is currently undergoing a $150,000 refurbishment which will transform the space and align it more accurately with the brand and existing stores whilst maintaining its originality and representing the best elements of the quirky superb. A fourth Langanis is also in the works with the exact location yet to be confirmed, however, it will be in one of South East Queensland’s bustling metropolitan locales. There are also plans for a clothing line which is launching sometime this year.

@langanisbarber_studio

173 BOUNDARY STREET, WEST END, QLD 4101

10/110 MACQUARIE STREET, TENERIFFE, QLD 4101

9/243 EDWARD STREET, BRISBANE CITY, QLD 4000