When guests of QT Sydney are greeted by the leather-clad hosts, also known as ‘Directors of Chaos’ – decked out in matching flaming red wigs and star-studded black berets – they may think that they’ve accidentally walked into the neighboring State Theatre. From the draped curtains to the stage lights, the heritage listed building pays homage to its past life, and not just with the décor.
The hotel’s secret to ensuring their cast is as memorable as the building itself: a team of behind-the-scenes hair and make-up stylists who create that QT Sydney signature style.
Veteran make-up artists Claudia Saurine and Emma Young, graduates of the Australian College of Make-up & Special Effects, are on hand before each morning and afternoon shift to make sure the team is ‘stage ready’. Using cosmetics by Issada – specialists in mineral make-up – Saurine and Young create different dramatic and stylized looks to suit each area of the hotel.
Completing the staff’s look are ‘costumes’ by renowned Australian designer Janet Hine. Hine’s challenge was to produce outfits that would complement the eclectic and vibrant interior of the hotel. Her approach was to create ‘characters’. From the unmistakable ‘Directors of Chaos’ to the SpaQ barbers – whose coiffured hair and tattoos harken back to 1950’s Americana – each staff member plays an important part in creating the unique and playful atmosphere of the hotel.
