Friday, March 26, 2010 at 12:00AM by Cynthia Anderson Star stylist
Stylist Dwight Davis consults with client Kristin Kelly Colombano/image:C.Hope for Style Wylde
More impactful than the leg width of jeans or the shape of our shoes, our hair, and how it's styled is a fashion statement that feels intensely personal. A bad cut or a botched job can leave even the boldest of fashionistas feeling frumpy. That's why finding the perfect stylist who is up on the latest trends and techniques, understands all of our various issues, and puts insecurities at ease with a charismatic blend of friendliness and professionalism is essential to our happiness. So when we discovered San Francisco stylist Dwight Davis, who is all of the above AND who doesn't require a six-month in advance appointment, it was like reaching nirvana.
Not surprisingly Stephen Saiz Salon which is co-owned by Davis, looks a lot like one might imagine heaven. Stepping off the art deco elevator that brings you 10 stories above Union Square you are first struck by the thoughtful way bright white walls and gorgeous glossy gray floors form an unobtrusive backdrop to breathtaking views of Union Square, the marina, the Bay Bridge and AT&T Park depending on where you look.
Meeting Davis himself for the first time, one might find him a bit of an anomaly. He is a rockstar on the outside complete with jet black hair and whiskey voice, while on the inside a deeply dedicated artist who is in constant pursuit of improving his craft.
image: C.Hope for Style Wylde
On a recent afternoon, when SW stopped by the salon Davis was in the midst of recreating a cut that client Kristin Kelly Colombano had seen in a film. "That works" he told Colombano confidently as she explained the desired style.
Moments later Davis began to custom blend color for his client, a warm honey hue identical to the lock of hair belonging to her five year old son Max that Colombano brought in for reference. "I can match anything." Davis smiled when we asked if bringing in locks of hair like swatches of your gown for shoes dyed to match was a normal practice. "I love getting that perfect color."
For Colombano a super busy graphic designer and mother of two, the cut and that unbelievably perfect color match (we compared the lock to the finished product- it was EXACT) was an instant mood lifter. "It looks amazing" Colombano beamed as Davis put the finishing touches on her super sleek and modern style. "Exactly what I wanted."
Colombano is definitely not alone in her appreciation of Davis' skills. In his nearly two decades working in San Francisco he has styled celebrities (like Lady Gaga) and civilians alike developing a base of clients that are as varied in personal style aesthetics as they are fiercely loyal to Davis.
After seeing Davis' work in person we were eager to make an appointment of our own, after all, finding an amazing stylist with talent and skills as varied as Davis is not something to take lightly, one might even call it an experience close to nirvana.
For more information on Stephen Saiz Salon visit the official Facebook page, or follow stylist Dwight Davis on twitter.
Cynthia Anderson
Want to see more of Dwight Davis' work? Check out this fashion editorial for the San Francisco Chronicle which features a bridge-top model sporting an authentic DD do'.