RADAR: Clara Leonard
What I truly love about the fashion industry are the creators. Those who bring not only skill but art to the work. Clara Leonard is a New York-based hairstylist who fits that bill. Her skill-set is vast as her work includes celebs, top magazine editorials, fashion weeks along with commercial campaigns. Following training at Toni and Guy in Dallas, Leonard went on to assist some of the top names in the business leading her to key her own shows and develop a prominent career with a long list of clients including editorials in Wonderland, Allure, WWD, and Harper’s Bazaar, to name a few, since moving to NYC in 2009. Not only does she have the magic touch but she also follows the mantra of kindness which in this fashion world can easily go lacking. Her accomplishments are an inspiration to anyone who is vying for their spot in the industry but her charm is the real aspiration. For that reason, we caught up with Clara for this exclusive feature where she talks about her accidental move to NYC, hair philosophy, and the importance of just breathing.
What influenced you to become a hairstylist in the fashion industry?
I think it was definitely something I always wanted to do from hair school but honestly I kind of fell into assisting on shoots not long after moving to New York. I was honestly a little bored in the salon and started assisting Ward, he had so many crazy stories and is very talented, it honestly introduced me to a whole new world. I was so inspired.
After getting started in Dallas, TX what made you make the move to New York City?
I accidentally moved to New York. I met a boy when I was visiting for my 21st birthday and was like “I’m moving to New York” and everything kind of just fell into place and I moved here. The first year or two was definitely a big struggle and I just did whatever to get by.
With your editorial work, when challenges arise on set what are your go-to solutions that you’ve learned from experience?
#1 solution is always take a step back and take a deep breath. I assisted for a really long time, and did all the shows with everyone I could to make sure I was prepared for any situation. You never know what could come up but it’s always important to stay true to what you know. As creatives we tend to over-think things and over complicate things, that’s why it’s important to always take a step back and breathe, you know what to do.
Can you describe one of your favorite experiences working on set and why it stands out in your memory?
I shot a Zimmerman campaign in St Barth’s. Shooting in one of the most beautiful locations I’ve ever been. Everything was both magical and exhausting about it!
As a freelance creative what are your thoughts on working and continuing to thrive during the pandemic?
LOL, well I don’t know if I’m actually “thriving” but I honestly don’t know what else I would do, and even with all the restrictions, working on set still brings me so much joy. Being a freelancer for so long you kind of have to learn to be a bit “scrappy” sometimes.
Your work has led you to travel internationally for different jobs. What has been one of your favorites places that you have traveled to and what type of experience did you have working there?
I used to work in Paris a ton before the pandemic and really miss it. It became kind of a second home and is always so familiar when I go. But one of my favorite memories was when I got to go to Japan for a Louis Vuitton show and assist on the campaign. It was wild and I was only there for three days and didn’t really get to see that much other than work. It was a bit of a blur really but all the memories I have there are very special to me and hope to go back some day!
As a freelancer in this industry what is one important lesson that you’ve learned that you could pass on to other freelancers?
Money comes and goes but it’s important to enjoy what you do and who you work with. If the industry causes more stress then enjoyment there’s so many other ways to do what you want to do.
What’s your own personal hair philosophy in terms of how to choose a hairstyle or hair care? Does your work ever influence how you style your own hair?
Less is more. Sometimes it’s the imperfections that make a hairstyle special or cool. I love feeling people's personalities and giving them a hairstyle that fits them and works on them. I love curly/textured hair and love working with natural hair textures and curls of all types. I find it to be very empowering for women to feel beautiful as the best version of themselves and not trying to make them look like someone else. I have to also remind myself of that! I do love Prada’s version of the curtain bang, that’s basically an awkward blunt layer in the front, I did it to my own hair and love it. I feel like I can tuck it behind my ear or wear it out and have it kind of cool.
What are some of your favorite hair trends that you’re seeing right now either on the runway or on the streets?
I love seeing girls wearing their natural hair out. Or more girls with really short hair. I also love braids, especially box braids, there’s so much you can do with them to have different diverse styles with them. I love that brands are encouraging girls to be more themselves and their own unique style. And not making every girl have the exact same look.
What is love?
Love is something you can’t see, and you don’t always feel it when it’s there but sometimes you do and it’s amazing when you do. It’s unconditional, respectful, understanding, patient. It’s basically any good trait you can imagine. Love makes you want to be a better person.
What are your Socials?
IG: @claraleopard
Article by Ayoka Lucas, Contributing Fashion Editor, PhotoBook Magazine
Instagram: @ayokalu
Tearsheets by Destina Marotta, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
