For the past four years, I've been honored to serve as the in-house photographer for Proper Grooming Company. During this time, I've closely followed the journey of Gio and Maartje, making all sorts of art from creative portraits to experimenting with product photography and shooting short movies.
Hailing from the shadows of Dutch bonsai, Proper Grooming ensures extreme comfort and a unique customer experience. Precision is hardwired to the sharpest blades on the planet and prejudice is replaced with ultimate style. Whether it’s veiling yourself into a smokey cloud of dark wooden elements or being entertained by next-generation barbers, in this living (g)room customer becomes the resident. Trained in the hardcore hands of German professionals, Gio landed a respectable position in perhaps the most famous barbershop in the world: Schorem.
After years of cutting the bullshit and delivering world class cuts in the Holiest of Ashtrays, Proper Grooming gives you a chance to experience old school barbering in a new, most comfortable environment in the world. Gio has judged multiple world class barber competitions and events and knows what is the most important aspect of the trade: you. Beauty might be in the eye of the beholder, but it is well known, that these cosmopolitan and cultivated eyes will unleash the full potential of your brain holder.
Handicraft is lord. An old school aficionado has never felt more at home than at Gio’s Chop Shop. Sit back, grab a glass of whiskey and admire the art and picture filled walls. Learn about the Gio-san family tree while feeling the mixture of leather and wood from all over the world and relax. We strongly believe that Zen -like state can be achieved every day in the right environment with the right tools. Smokey flavours and family trees tall, We know who’s da slickest of ’em all.
Joining forces with Proper Grooming under the Salon “A Breath of Fresh Hair”, Maartje puts Family into the Business. This Southern Dutch Gal is the long awaited addition and expansion to the shop. She will be taking the helm as the Cut Director for all Lady Manes venturing into the kingdom of old school.
Earning the nickname of Doctor Color, Maartje has ground her way to the top by spinning steel and crafting elaborate color concoctions under the flag of Kinki Salons for 13 years. Perhaps the most well known salon chain in the country has taught this Tattoo Queen the essential tools of the trade: no color is an impossibility.
Fierce cuts for fierce ladies, these blades are at your disposal. Experience the color-able hands of this true modern magistrate in the most retro of scenes, the whole city holds in awe.
