CO VER STO R Y
The Rise of BY LOUISE MAY
In the vibrant city of San Francisco, the roots of HANZ DE FUKO run deep, tracing back to its inception in 2009. A brainchild of visionaries David Alfonso and Christopher Zent, the brand emerged with a mission – to curate distinctive styling products tailored for the discerning individual. Picture this: the early days saw Alfonso and Zent diligently filling and labelling bottles in the confines of a modest one-bedroom apartment. From this humble beginning, their passion for crafting unparalleled grooming essentials ignited a journey that would soon transcend borders.
minimising our impact on the planet. Men’s Biz stores, headquarters and warehouse run on 100% Greenpower and their deliveries are carbon neutral. They recycle and reuse almost all packing materials in their warehouse.
After two years of making waves in high-end salons, the duo strategically leveraged the power of social media. The result? In just six months, HANZ DE FUKO emerged as the leading grooming product on the vast canvas of the internet. Responding to the overwhelming surge in demand, the founders aligned with the largest all-green solar manufacturing plant in North America in 2012.
Can you tell us about the Men’s Biz Brand and its unique approach to barbering and grooming in the Sydney.
From the iconic landscapes of San Francisco, the HANZ DE FUKO wave surged across Europe, gracing the shelves of the world’s most prestigious retail establishments in over 40 countries. Notably, the brand found its way into the hands of none other than style icon David Beckham, a testament to its universal appeal. Today, HANZ DE FUKO stands as a globally cherished brand, a beacon of excellence in the realm of grooming. To delve deeper into the brand’s journey and its impact on the world of barbering, Barbershop Editor in Chief, Louise May, recently sat down with Hakota, affectionately known as Hux, a senior barber at MEN’S BIZ in Sydney. MEN’S BIZ has been an authority in Men’s Grooming in Australia since 2006. Awarded ‘Best Retail Destination’ at GQ Australia’s Grooming Awards and ‘Best in Class Barbershop’ by Monocle magazine. MEN’S BIZ online store launched in 2006 and is now supported by four stores and barbershops in Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra. Their headquarters and warehouse are based in Northcote, Melbourne. They believe in ethical practices and
Over to the chat with Hux…
Men’s Biz Barbershop stands out with its fusion of classic barbering expertise and modern grooming trends. A haven where tradition meets innovation, offering precision cuts and grooming services tailored to every man’s style, ensuring a timeless and individualised experience.
What is your role within the Men’s Biz Brand?
As a senior barber at Men’s Biz, my role entails delivering expert haircutting, grooming, and styling services whilst also mentoring and guiding junior barbers to help them develop their skills and expertise.
