Tzapos - The Flying Hairdressers

Concept
The decals have been applied, the Chevy Small Block’s engine is gunning, the water tank is full––everything’s ready to go. But Konstantinos Tzapos isn’t embarking on a safari. After an unsuccessful hunt for attractive but affordable premises in Munich’s city center, the master hairdresser came up with an idea that’s all set to make waves in the hairdressing market. At the cross section between adventure and ambition, Tzapos decided to convert a US step van into a fully equipped professional mobile hairdressing salon and is ready to take over the streets.

Born in Frankfurt, Tzapos trained as an automotive mechatronics technician, but discovered Club Hair, a leading-edge salon at the time. Tzapos took the plunge and followed-up with training as a hairdresser. After completing his compulsory military service in Greece, he moved to Munich and spent many years working his way up in salons including celebrity hairdresser Lippert’s, finally becoming salon manager. He noticed that although customers loved having their hair styled, they often found it hard to fit the journey to and from the salon into their busy schedule.

The rigorous professional standards Tzapos applied to his equipment and the styling experience he sought to offer ruled out the option of visiting his customers at their homes––but a truck was the ideal solution. This setting allows Tzapos to provide a full range of hair styling services, spanning advice, cutting, coloring, and extensions, as well as serving beverages and selling hair products. Customers can use the app to track his location and inquire spontaneously when he is nearby, and he can stop outside their door on request, or can be hired for events.

Creative Leitmotif
Designliga was immediately intrigued by the idea. Asked about his inner motivation, Tzapos promptly replied: his love of freedom. In his philosophy, this includes the ability to organize his work in line with his understanding of optimal service, and to implement new ideas immediately. An avid surfer, he enjoys starting the engine and heading to wherever the waves are best and the horizon sketches a clear line. Freedom and departure triggered associations with the 1960s, and inspiration came from the graphic style of illustrations from the period – particularly the role and representation of hairstyles in that era. Additionally, the vision of hair flowing in the wind encompasses the feeling of freedom.

Corporate Design
The corporate design focuses on a stylized hair element as its leitmotif; translated into an abstract diagonal in the image mark, it stands for precision cutting while also referencing the sharp “z” of Tzapos’ name. Waving hair is used as a free design element for the communication design, establishing dynamic. The typography adds a clean-cut, modern note. The logo is based on an open design scheme for maximum versatility in a variety of situations, from app icons to decals. The warm grey basis color corresponds to the style of the step van, while the violet accent symbolizes creativity and inspiration.

Interior Design
The interior contrasts the exterior. A large skylight provides natural light. Built from European maple, the interior design references the aesthetic of campervan fit-outs. The dimensions and functions of the storage spaces were tailored precisely to the work steps performed by the hairdresser. Teamed with homely details like leather handles and kilim-style printed flooring, the wood creates a warm, calm mood. The kilim pattern features details of razors, surfboards, and coffee cups, enticing the visitor to look more closely.

Summary
“Kostas is a highly professional hairdresser, focused and discrete. His warmth and humor emerged as we discussed the project. Our aim was to capture these two worlds in our design”, explains Christina Koepf, Head of Interior Design at Designliga. “Tzapos - The Flying Hairdressers“ is scheduled to launch in early November, with further trucks in the planning stage.

Designliga – Bureau for Visual Communication and Interior Design