MARIA KOVACS

MARIA KOVACS

Session Stylist | Creative Director | Image Director | Educator

Instagram: @mariakovacs

Website: mariakovacs-hairdresser.com

PROFILE

With 32 years of hairdressing experience, I have developed a career rooted in creativity, education, fashion, and global session work. Since 2022, I have been Image Director for Monacelli Italy, where I create brand education, visual collections, and creative direction for international markets.

Alongside this role, I work as a Creative Consultant and Freelance Session Stylist, contributing to fashion shows, editorial, e-commerce, and advertising. I am passionate about mentoring talent and translating high-fashion concepts into modern, wearable hairdressing.

CURRENT ROLES

2022 – Present | Image Director, Monacelli Italy

  • Lead creative direction for brand collections and visual storytelling.

  • Develop global educational programmes and technical content.

  • Guide brand strategy, trend development, and artistic direction.

  • Deliver creative training and content internationally.

Freelance Session Stylist

  • Work across fashion, editorial, e-commerce, and commercial campaigns.

  • Collaborate with international designers, photographers, and stylists.

  • Regular contributor to global fashion weeks (full listing at website).

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2006 – 2020 | TIGI European Session Director

  • Led teams backstage at London, Paris, and Milan Fashion Weeks.

  • Worked closely with Paul Hanlon, Anthony Turner, James Pecis, and Christopher Kane.

  • Lead stylist at Lakmé Fashion Week India.

  • Selected, trained, and mentored the TIGI Session Team across 14 seasons.

  • Created TIGI’s biannual Session Course (London & Milan), shared globally.

  • Produced trend books, technical step-by-steps, and salon resources.

  • Brand ambassador for TIGI Catwalk and S Factor.

TIGI Creative Director (Global)

  • Member of the TIGI International Creative Team.

  • Developed education collections, campaigns, seminars, and stage shows.

  • Provided creative and product insights for TIGI and later Unilever haircare brands.

  • Supported and art-directed global salon partner photoshoots.

TIGI Academy Director (London)

  • Founding member of the TIGI London Academy.

  • Delivered global seminars, shows, and creative collaborations.

  • Worked on editorial and avant-garde projects, including with Vivienne Westwood.

  • Mentor for TIGI Inspirational Youth, leading training and final show/shoot.

1999 – 2006 | TONI&GUY Australia – Creative Director

  • Member of the TONI&GUY International Creative Team.

  • Led national education and shows across Australia, Asia Pacific, and Europe.

  • Directed the TONI&GUY Session Team for Sydney & Melbourne Fashion Weeks.

  • Contributed to the global Future Classics programme.

1995 – 1999 | TONI&GUY Australia – Stylist / Salon Art Director

  • Progressed from assistant to Salon Art Director.

  • Delivered classic haircutting and vardering training.

1993 – 1995 | John Azzi, Sydney – Assistant

  • Start of professional hairdressing career.

EDITORIAL & FASHION WORK

Portfolio and full fashion show listings:

mariakovacs-hairdresser.com

Celebrity clients

Bryan Adams

Pamela Anderson 

Nina Kravitz

Christian Loubutain

 

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