Julien Farel, with a regular clientele that includes Catherine Deneuve, Kate Moss, Brooke Shields, Sienna Miller, Liam Neeson, and countless other high-profilers, is among the most sought-after hairstylists today. His haircuts command a rate of US$1,250, and an appointment to see him is considered a coveted “get.”
But Farel’s role as the official stylist for the U.S. Open may be his biggest calling card, at least according to Farel himself, who’s had the gig since 2007.
“I approached the Open about having an onsite salon for players at the tournament, and it took me five years of pitching to finally get the contract,” Farel, a native of France, says during an interview at his eponymous salon at the Loews Regency New York hotel on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. (He has a second salon in Palm Beach, Fla.)
The position has Farel and seven employees creating a temporary salon at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, N.Y., on the penthouse level in a secure area where players can freely walk around without being surrounded by spectators.
The roughly 250-square-foot space is a perk for the 500 or so stars who participate in the Open and offers haircuts, blow-dries, hairstyling, and makeup sessions, manicures and pedicures, Farel says. It debuts for the season two days before the tournament begins and is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout the event. The official dates for the 2024 U.S. Open are Aug. 26 to Sept. 8.
Over the years, his salon has hosted several hundred players, according to Farel, including Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Coco Gauff, and Novak Djokovic. Retired players, including Billie Jean King, whose moniker is part of the official name of the U.S. Open venue—the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center—have also stopped in, Farel says.
“The players make appointments, but if an A-Lister like [Rafael] Nadal or Djokovic walks in, we try to make it work,” Farel says. “We’re busy all day for the entire Open.”
Patrick McEnroe, a retired professional player and an ESPN tennis commentator of the U.S. Open, is a client of Farel’s at his Manhattan salon. McEnroe says that Farel is also a friend, and he visits him at his Arthur Ashe salon whenever he can.
“It’s a hot spot and where all the players hang out and socialise,” McEnroe says. “They love coming to the salon, and it’s a great amenity for them.”
On-site salons for players at major tennis tournaments aren’t uncommon, but Farel was the first to introduce the concept to the U.S. Open, he says. (A representative for the U.S. Open is unable to confirm if this is the case.)
Farel’s experience as a tournament stylist was the impetus for bringing his salon to the Open.
“I worked at Roland-Garros in Paris at the French Open for a decade under my mentor Jacques Dessange, who had an on-site salon there,” Farel says. “I did haircuts and styling for all the big players at the time, including Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, John McEnroe, and Monica Seles.”
Eric Butorac, the director of player relations for the U.S. Open, says that the tournament’s executives offer the salon as a benefit to players because they recognise that they’re under the public eye and need to look their best. “We understand they’re under scrutiny, and we understand the challenge of life on the road, where they’re living out of a suitcase,” Butorac says. “Julien’s salon is well-used and an amenity that isn’t related to a player’s tennis performance the way our fitness centre or nap rooms are.”
Croatian player Donna Vekic, who is fresh off winning a silver medal at the Olympics, takes full advantage of the perk. The star says that she frequents the salon throughout the tournament for blow dries, manicures, and pedicures and also visits the Manhattan location for colour jobs.
“It’s very convenient to have it at the stadium,” Vekic says. “I want to look and feel good when I’m playing.”
And if they don’t hit up the salon during the tournament, some players will stop by when the matches are finished, Farel says. “Many of the players are so busy during the Open that they only get time to pamper themselves when the tournament is over.”
This stylish family home combines a classic palette and finishes with a flexible floorplan
Just 55 minutes from Sydney, make this your creative getaway located in the majestic Hawkesbury region.
A rural retreat with a side hustle opportunity, Pecan Manor Farm near Byron is an idyllic slice of the tree change pie.
High in Byron Bay’s coveted hinterland there is a hidden estate with more than just a charming homestead on offer. Pecan Manor Farm is a 40ha parcel of lush rolling grounds with expansive grazing lands, a dam with a private pontoon – and a thriving pecan plantation.
The original homestead was first built and owned by the Toohey brothers, who later went on to establish the iconic Tooheys Beer Company. In 2013, the property was sold to the Hogan family, who significantly renovated the home. It changed hands again in 2021, with the current owners further transforming the property.
With sandstone features, manicured hedges and a meandering driveway through established trees, Pecan Manor Farm is, in a nut shell, an enviable tree change property only half an hour from one of Australia’s hottest beach getaways.
Listed with McGrath Byron Bay Agents Tezu Harrison and Nick Dunn, the unique property at 204 Tooheys Mills Rd, Nashua is on the market with price expectations of $8 million.
“It’s a beautiful pecan estate that is so private. You drive in through a pecan forest almost and arrive up to the top of the property to discover a completely renovated old school Federation home. It’s probably one of the most beautiful 99 acres I’ve ever seen, because there are so many different aspects to it,” Mr Harrison said.
Framed by some of the region’s most impressive scenery, the grand Nashua landholding is near Tintenbar, and is 18kms to Lennox Head or 25kms to the popular beaches of Byron.
Inside the large family-friendly home, the main wing houses a choice of everyday living spaces including an open plan dining and family room, the contemporary kitchen and a separate lounge or media room.
At the heart of the footprint, the kitchen has a suite of NEFF appliances and a freestanding island bench. Both the dining and lounge areas spill out onto a full-width deck, taking in the sweeping district views and pool.
While one bedroom has an ensuite and personal deck, it’s the main bedroom that is a retreat in every sense of the word. Separated via a gallery-style hallway, the primary suite is its own wing with a large deck, a bath ensuite overlooking the lush landscape, and a walk-in wardrobe.
Thanks to the multiple alfresco spaces, there is a place for everyone in all seasons, especially by the pool either on the timber sun deck or in the cosy cabana complete with its own fireplace.
Guests can stay with plenty of privacy in the freestanding barn, or the extra self-contained space could be used as a short term rental or office generating additional income. Aptly named The Barn, this bonus accommodation features a full kitchen with breakfast bar, a bathroom, living area and separate bedroom.
Throughout the home there are high ceilings, timber floors, intricate chandeliers, ducted air-conditioning. The property also has six large machinery sheds, offering ample scope for further agricultural pursuits.
Flowing along the property’s edge, Skinners Creek further sets the scene, while the location delivers the best of both worlds – Tintenbar General Store and local school are just 10 minutes away, while the popular Harvest Newrybar café is a 15-minute drive with Lennox Head and Ballina/Byron Airport also easily accessible.
Pecan Manor Estate is listed with Tezu Harrison on 0448 000 234 and Nick Dunn on 0448 301 111 of McGrath Estate Agents Byron Bay and is on the market with a price guide of $8 million.
This stylish family home combines a classic palette and finishes with a flexible floorplan
Just 55 minutes from Sydney, make this your creative getaway located in the majestic Hawkesbury region.