What (or who) is your greatest influence in your work and life?
The people I surround myself with are my greatest influences. They are creative, passionate and wise. Recently, I’ve been fortunate to have some amazing mentors come into my life. It’s important to always stay open and learn from others no matter where you are in your career.
Are you inspired by any particular works of architecture or art?
Gustav Klimt has always been an inspiration. His use of color and detail and obsession with his subjects has always captivated me.
What fashion trends/designers are moving you right now?
At the moment, I'm obsessed with coffee table fashion books and documentaries on the lives of designers. I love Karl Lagerfeld, Valentino and the Tom Ford Own Visionaires documentaries. It's inspiring to see these individual’s creative process, as well as how their passion drives them.
Lucie's Clouds Board - "I love to post my inspiration on Instagram. The style of the model I did was as light and as airy as the clouds - I posted this as more of a "how to" board. We as visual artists can relate and recreate textures when teamed with something familiar."
Merlot Credits: Hair: Lucie Doughty, photography: Alexander Le King; makeup: Patrick Echlier/Make Up Forever
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Do you ever turn to nature for inspiration? If so, why?
Yes, I do. But I consider nature any of my surroundings. It can be man made or organic nature, but I am always open to the influence of my environment.
How has a mentor inspired you? What did they say or do that was inspiring?
My mentors get to the core of who I am. They are genuinely interested and inquisitive of my work, and my creative process. Essentially, they push me out of my comfort zone and cause me to explore something in a new way.
What products help you realize your creativity?
I really love the Awapuhi Wild Ginger line from Paul Mitchell as it helps me to style, have control but leave the hair feeling as if it has nothing in it. The products also have a conditioning foundation to them so I can style and repair at the same time. Another favorite is Paul Mitchell’s Extra-Body Finishing Spray, its my ‘do-all’ spray that I can’t live without.
Lucie's Ocean Board - "I'm forever inspired by the movement and tones of the ocean which I incorporate in my color choices and technique."
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How do you stay creative and inspired?
Right now, it's social media. We have the ability to share what we are creating in the moment. Inspiration comes from connecting with people around the world, and I’m always interested in what inspires them. My phone is also always by my side as inspiration can strike at any moment… and I want to be ready to capture it with a picture, a note or even a video!
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
My mum, also a fellow hair stylist, told me: "If you're a hairdresser you will always have a career." It's practical and true. People will always need to have their hair done. Beyond the practicality of it, hairdressing opens doors and is an avenue for fashion, creativity, advertising, education and so much more. At the end of the day, a hairdresser can make people feel beautiful. And that's what truly resonates with me.
How does living by the beach inspire you?
The ocean is very calming to me, and its continuous motion is hypnotizing. I love how vast it is and am obsessed with its many colors. I have created some of my most recent color collections based around the tones I saw while vacationing in Hawaii.
Lucie's Farmers Market Board - "Sundays are days on which I like to relax and head down to the local farmers market. I am continually inspired by the colors and textures of the produce."
Has there ever been a place that you've been to that you can't get out of your head?
Vienna, Austria. As I mentioned, I am enamored by Gustav Klimt, and I loved visiting the Session House and the different museums where his work resides. It was moving to see Klimt’s work up close and feel the energy of the city where it was created.
How does your creative process work?
It normally starts with a word, a theme or an idea. Then I do my research and build a storyboard or mood board around the topic. I question who the audience is and what is the message I am trying to convey. Is it a personal project, an advertising project, something for a specific client or company? The answer to those questions determines the direction I go in.
