September 07, 2021
111ICONS: Amy Komorowski
111ICONS: amy Komorowski
Amy Komorowski is a New York-based groomer. An expert at her craft, Komorowski is trusted by a prestigious list of clients including Adam Driver, the Jonas Brothers, Eddie Redmayne, Richard Madden, Bill Skarsgard, Antoni Porowski, and many others. Her work can be found on the covers of countless publications including CR Men, British GQ, Esquire, W, Interview, and Rolling Stone, in addition to featuring in numerous campaigns for world-renowned brands such as Breitling, Omega, Oliver Peoples, John Varvatos, Perry Ellis, and more.
111SKIN champions and celebrates game changers and innovators in leading industries. Each discussion uncovers the insight and knowledge into their individual approach and within the 111ICONS interview, we share their journey, business and approach to life.
111SKIN: HOW HAS YOUR ROLE AND CAREER EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS?
Amy: It's been a long, interesting journey that began over 20 years ago working in television production for VH1. I graduated from Syracuse University with a Broadcast Journalism degree but in my heart always knew I wanted to pursue the arts. On one particular tv production, we covered Fashion Week and I got to go backstage at Bryant Park. Watching all the hair and makeup artists work, this was the moment I found my calling. I quit my stable job and eventually assisted many top hair and makeup artists. On many shoots the male models would be left to fend for themselves. I really saw the opportunity to give them a little love too. My style and aesthetic has always been "clean, natural beauty" so grooming guys felt like the perfect fit. At first it was mostly fashion and beauty shoots but then I started getting calls to work with actors and musicians and it really took off from there.
111SKIN: TELL US A BIT ABOUT HOW YOU GOT INTO GROOMING?
Amy: I had/have a wonderful mentor and I feel lucky because many artists starting out these days do not. Frances Hathaway took my under her wing and gave me love, support and a vision for my career. Everything I learned about skin, working on a set, relationships with clients I learned from observing Frances. She was one of the first people to really push me into the world of grooming and told me that when life presents a path to remain open and available to the possibilities.
111SKIN: DID YOU ALWAYS WANT TO WORK PREDOMINATELY WITH MALE CLIENTS?
Amy: No, I had no interest in working with men. Haha, to be honest it wasn’t really something that I even knew existed. Men’s grooming wasn’t really a thing when I got started, people did either hair or makeup (or both).
111SKIN: Who was your first big client?
Amy: My first men’s grooming client was Joaquin Phoenix.
111SKIN: Is there anyone you would like to work with next?
Amy: There’s always a list of people that I’d love to work with, I’m either inspired by their work or their look. It’s a strange thing but sometimes when I’m watching an actor in a movie or listening to a musician I just get this feeling that I’m going to work with them. I literally see myself doing their hair or having a conversation with them. Then I get a call to work with them!
111SKIN: what has been the highlight of your career so far?
Amy: Oh wow, too many to count! Some jobs are my favorite because of the finished look or “red carpet moment” and some are just so fun, exciting and a bit glamorous. My first European promo tour with Justin Timberlake was exciting, working with Eddie Redmayne during award season and watching him win an Oscar, attending the Star Wars premiere and working with Adam Driver has been the ride of a lifetime and shooting the "Sucker" music video in London with The Jonas Brothers was one of my most "proud" grooming moments.
111SKIN: with such a busy schedule, how do you wind down?
Amy: Winding down is challenging but much needed. You need to recharge to be able to create. I like to workout (annoying I know, haha), I’ve recently started to ride horses and I just enjoy puttering around my home.
111SKIN: What is your morning ROUTINE?
Amy: My morning self care routine consists of a toner, face mask, face oil, serum and a moisturiser. I’m a big dry brush user, I have a large one for my body and a smaller softer set for my face and neck. I’m also very into supplements and beauty from within.
111SKIN: how did you discover 111skin?
Amy: I believe I first discovered 111SKIN through the face and eye masks. I was immediately blown away by the form and function of the design and how they instantly brightened the skin.
111SKIN: favourite 111skin product?
Amy: I have 2 favourites. The Sub-Zero De-Puffing Energy Facial Mask and the Celestial Black Diamond Day Cream Light.
111SKIN: what are your on-the-go essentials?
Amy: My on-the-go essential is the 3 Phase Anti Blemish Booster. Especially while working long hours in a mask and with travel picking back up this product clears my skin overnight.
Amy Komorowski is a New York-based groomer. An expert at her craft, Komorowski is trusted by a prestigious list of clients including Adam Driver, the Jonas Brothers, Eddie Redmayne, Richard Madden, Bill Skarsgard, Antoni Porowski, and many others. Her work can be found on the covers of countless publications including CR Men, British GQ, Esquire, W, Interview, and Rolling Stone, in addition to featuring in numerous campaigns for world-renowned brands such as Breitling, Omega, Oliver Peoples, John Varvatos, Perry Ellis, and more.
111SKIN champions and celebrates game changers and innovators in leading industries. Each discussion uncovers the insight and knowledge into their individual approach and within the 111ICONS interview, we share their journey, business and approach to life.
111SKIN: HOW HAS YOUR ROLE AND CAREER EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS?
Amy: It's been a long, interesting journey that began over 20 years ago working in television production for VH1. I graduated from Syracuse University with a Broadcast Journalism degree but in my heart always knew I wanted to pursue the arts. On one particular tv production, we covered Fashion Week and I got to go backstage at Bryant Park. Watching all the hair and makeup artists work, this was the moment I found my calling. I quit my stable job and eventually assisted many top hair and makeup artists. On many shoots the male models would be left to fend for themselves. I really saw the opportunity to give them a little love too. My style and aesthetic has always been "clean, natural beauty" so grooming guys felt like the perfect fit. At first it was mostly fashion and beauty shoots but then I started getting calls to work with actors and musicians and it really took off from there.
111SKIN: TELL US A BIT ABOUT HOW YOU GOT INTO GROOMING?
Amy: I had/have a wonderful mentor and I feel lucky because many artists starting out these days do not. Frances Hathaway took my under her wing and gave me love, support and a vision for my career. Everything I learned about skin, working on a set, relationships with clients I learned from observing Frances. She was one of the first people to really push me into the world of grooming and told me that when life presents a path to remain open and available to the possibilities.
111SKIN: DID YOU ALWAYS WANT TO WORK PREDOMINATELY WITH MALE CLIENTS?
Amy: No, I had no interest in working with men. Haha, to be honest it wasn’t really something that I even knew existed. Men’s grooming wasn’t really a thing when I got started, people did either hair or makeup (or both).
111SKIN: Who was your first big client?
Amy: My first men’s grooming client was Joaquin Phoenix.
111SKIN: Is there anyone you would like to work with next?
Amy: There’s always a list of people that I’d love to work with, I’m either inspired by their work or their look. It’s a strange thing but sometimes when I’m watching an actor in a movie or listening to a musician I just get this feeling that I’m going to work with them. I literally see myself doing their hair or having a conversation with them. Then I get a call to work with them!
111SKIN: what has been the highlight of your career so far?
Amy: Oh wow, too many to count! Some jobs are my favorite because of the finished look or “red carpet moment” and some are just so fun, exciting and a bit glamorous. My first European promo tour with Justin Timberlake was exciting, working with Eddie Redmayne during award season and watching him win an Oscar, attending the Star Wars premiere and working with Adam Driver has been the ride of a lifetime and shooting the "Sucker" music video in London with The Jonas Brothers was one of my most "proud" grooming moments.
111SKIN: with such a busy schedule, how do you wind down?
Amy: Winding down is challenging but much needed. You need to recharge to be able to create. I like to workout (annoying I know, haha), I’ve recently started to ride horses and I just enjoy puttering around my home.
111SKIN: What is your morning ROUTINE?
Amy: My morning self care routine consists of a toner, face mask, face oil, serum and a moisturiser. I’m a big dry brush user, I have a large one for my body and a smaller softer set for my face and neck. I’m also very into supplements and beauty from within.
111SKIN: how did you discover 111skin?
Amy: I believe I first discovered 111SKIN through the face and eye masks. I was immediately blown away by the form and function of the design and how they instantly brightened the skin.
111SKIN: favourite 111skin product?
Amy: I have 2 favourites. The Sub-Zero De-Puffing Energy Facial Mask and the Celestial Black Diamond Day Cream Light.
111SKIN: what are your on-the-go essentials?
Amy: My on-the-go essential is the 3 Phase Anti Blemish Booster. Especially while working long hours in a mask and with travel picking back up this product clears my skin overnight.
If you were to advise a London guide, what would be on your list?
Well, As I grew up in Notting Hill, it will always have my heart and if I was recommending spots in London, a wander around Notting Hill would be high up on my list. From there it would be all the best shopping destinations, the iconic private members club, Annabels, Harrods and Liberty’s for any cute and unique gifts. I would always pop into 111CRYO at Harrods for the Cryo Facial and treatment for the ultimate recharge. Sometimes the city is great, but the beautiful secrets of the English countryside is something that should be experienced.
Your In-Flight Essentials?
I don’t have a routine per say and I am certainly not as thorough as Naomi Campbell but I would apply the Meso Infusion Lip Duo and I would always wipe my phone down with anti-bacterial wipes, in fact I do this every day, the bacteria build up is no good for the skin.
In terms of Industry, where do you see the hair industry going?
Well Instagram has changed so much and has impacted the way we consume and learn within the industry, especially with so many creatives, but I still find that a massive amount of people come to the professionals to share the knowledge on how to carry out or complete a desired look, more than ever there is power behind ‘how-to’ videos.
A very valid point and in terms of 2020?
In terms of what we are to see in 2020, things are going to be super creative and we will see a wider awareness for people doing their own thing and it will be expressive and artistic. People will move away from the overtly glamorous looks and will create looks they can tailor to their everyday. As it’s currently Award Season which is the busiest time of the year leading up to the Met Ball, hairstyles are certainly more elaborate, and everyone loves an up do. I would say the most timeless look has to be the blunt bob, it comes around year on year, but it is effortless and timeless.
Outside of hair, what other industries are you into?
I am hugely into Interiors and I would describe my style as 60s/70s glamour, think elaborate and dramatic but I often fantasise about 80s Dallas and Joan Collins and I have to reign myself in. I also love Baking; it is the ultimate way to relax and I find that it is my meditation and therapy. If I’m in the USA I would bake a lot of cookies as everyone is obsessed with then over here and in the UK, I would bake more traditional styles like a lemon tart or an apple tart – it allows for me to be creative outside of my job.
Finally, the best advice you have ever received?
It would have to be from my grandfather, he would often say to me “it’s not how well you’re doing but how well people think you’re doing”. I haven’t successfully implemented it however you can look to Instagram today and people see our work and are blown away by it, but we can be so hard on ourselves and not appreciate our own work ourselves.