Shops / Shop of the Week
Shop of the week: Glitch
In the heart of Old Market, the team behind Glitch reckon they are the only salon in the world to offer services in hair styling, food, music and art in such stylish surroundings. Pushing open the door you’re greeted with the distinct smell of rustic pizza and the sound of techno and hair driers .
“He’s the artist, I’m the hairdresser,” says Stephan Vi, gesturing to his creative director and business partner Alessandro Frank. Stephan is draped in unique tattoos which stretch up onto his face while Alessandro is reliably calm and collected. Both hail from Florence in Italy, The aesthetic of tumbling greenery, chipboard furniture and locally-made graphic art works perfectly with the light pouring in through the big front windows.
Creative director Alessandro Frank (left) and owner Stephan Vi (right)
Following years of hairdressing combined with their impressive creative visions, Stephan and Alessandro brought Glitch to life in June 2017 in a city that – they feel – was always its rightful home.
is needed now More than ever
“When I came to Bristol, I knew we needed to open up here,” Stephan says proudly. “It has such a good art scene, music scene, creatives – there’s so much going on.”
Much has happened in 18 months. The salon has seen clients travelling nationally to get a glimpse of this one-of-a-kind experience and has hosted live music events, along with an ever-expanding host of pop-up businesses within its vibrant walls.
The salon welcomes musical talent from all around Bristol at regular gigs
Grano Kitchen, the independent business that provides food at Glitch, is the added Italian flare that has recently completed the space. “We’re not patriots but it’s the food!” laughs Stephan as owner and head chef of Grano, Alberto Noriega, pulls a piping fresh pizza from the oven. “Italian food is some of the best in the world.”
Alberto Noriega, owner and chef at Grano Kitchen, hard at work during the lunchtime rush at Glitch
A stage in the corner of the salon, decorated with plants that intertwine up microphone stands and drumkits, provides a space for local talent. “The coolest concept is the live music in the day,” says Alessandro. Clients can have their hair cut to a backdrop of a unique live performance.
And when the salon team put down their scissors and the doors shut, Alessandro and Stephan take the opportunity to throw parties in the space, utilising the fully equipped DJ booth and speakers.
The space opens up in the evening for parties and events
Old Market is notable for its inclusivity and diversity. Just down the road from Bristol Bear Bar and Old Market Assembly, Glitch prides itself on being a place for all.
“We embody everything here – it’s humanity and we’re a part of that,” Alessandro says confidently. “We are all people here,” Stephan adds. The salon has employees from around the world, hailing from Scotland, Spain, Italy and New Zealand. There’s a notable LGBT+ clientele that visits the salon regularly, the pair add.
The salon has a chic contrast of rough and elegant interior
It’s hard to ignore the array of plants as we sit on chairs that look like they’ve been plucked from a perfect retro film. “It’s a contrast between elegance and rough,” Stephan says, pointing up at the chic shelving and wooden units. The bare walls and standing plants create a geometric contrast that’s just picture perfect.
“The plants were the added finish that we loved,” says Alessandro, going on to say that Glitch’s plant collection has inspired to other shops in Old Market to do the same.
“Everyone on Old Market has got plants!” Stephan says.
The space is covered head to toe in purchasable plants
The creative atmosphere has given way to opportunities too, with students feeling able to showcase their artwork for the first time, and past employees using the supportive community at Glitch to open their own businesses.
The space holds an art exhibition every month, where people can view and purchase pieces. Sometimes this is an artist’s first chance to be seen and Glitch is making the process achievable.
With a name that alludes to an error in technology or a blip that calls for change, Glitch is a leading example and is setting trends across Bristol, the UK and even wider.
“We are the error of the hair salon world,” says Stephan. “We’re leading the change of what hair salons can become.”
Glitch
49 Old Market Street, Old Market, Bristol, BS2 0EX
www.glitchbristol.com
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