Adir Abergel is a visual artist before anything else—and his home, a funky, art-filled Los Angeles oasis with bohemian touches throughout, is an extension of that. A trained dancer and celebrity hairstylist, Abergel is inspired by beauty and aesthetics of all forms. Not in an overly indulgent or materialistic way, but in that he can appreciate the finer things in life while knowing that high price tags don’t determine taste.
As creative director of haircare brand Virtue Labs, Abergel has worked with the likes of Jennifer Garner, Kristen Stewart, Nicole Kidman, Anne Hathaway, Tina Turner, and many more. With his celebrity clientele, he creates original, experimental, glamorous looks—from the perfect beach waves to sculptural updos—that leave clients looking and feeling their best. Inside his eclectic closet filled with statement jackets, bold accessories, and an enviable rotation of fun jewelry, we caught up with Abergel about his mother being his style icon, the intersection of beauty and fashion, and laughing with Jennifer Garner behind the scenes.
A Style Built on Comfort and Individuality
When asked to describe his personal style in three words, Abergel says, “Eccentric, easy, maximalist.” His formula for an outfit is simple. “I’m not a brand person,” he explains. “I don’t care if an item is 50 cents or if it’s $5,000.” The most important factor is comfort. “I am a worker,” he states. “I have to be able to work with my hands.”
This focus on practicality extends to how he shops. Abergel has been wearing bandanas since he was a child and still wears one constantly. He has kept many pieces from his closet for years, though his style has evolved. As he approaches 50, he’s more interested in silhouette and tailoring. He looks for a balance between looser, comfortable pieces and more structured ones that offer better shape.
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Sentiment also plays a role. Abergel’s most treasured item is his mother’s necklace. “She passed away this year,” he shares. “It’s truly the simplest necklace, but I love it because it just feels like I still have her around me.” Despite this attachment, he maintains a detached view of material possessions. “I can live in Hawaii in a $3 T-shirt, underwear, and $3 flip-flops and still be happy,” he says. “I’m someone who cares deeply about deep relationships, honesty, integrity, art, and doing your job well.”
Early Influences and Global Finds
Abergel’s greatest style influence was his mother. “My mom was just so fucking cool,” he recalls. She had a unique, effortless way of dressing. “She could throw on a T-shirt and a pair of jeans, and the T-shirt would be torn and falling off one shoulder.” Her approach to life was equally unconventional, including dyeing her own hair red at a gas station.
His taste for the unique extends to his shopping habits. He is obsessed with a massive flea market in Paris and frequently uses the auction site Auctioneer to find rare items. Recently, he has been drawn to Studio Nicholson in London for their simple, high-quality jeans that work well with his more eccentric pieces. One of his most prized possessions is a 200-year-old Japanese indigo fabric he discovered on a trip. He was drawn to its handwork and the love that clearly went into its creation. Now, the fabric has traveled with him for over a million and a half miles around the world.
His work on sets spans decades and countless celebrities. One of his most cherished on-set memories involves Jennifer Garner. The two share a close bond, with Abergel calling her his boogie. While working on Capital One commercials, Garner made a playful offer. She would pay him her entire paycheck if he could memorize two specific lines. Abergel tried all day but could not get them right. He was upset, admitting he wanted the money in his pocket.
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Celebrating Individuality
Abergel’s philosophy extends beyond clothing to his approach to hair. He sees a direct link between personal style and hairstyling. “They’re both about celebrating individuality,” he states. He admires clients like Kristen Stewart for their fearlessness in self-expression. Stewart inspires him deeply because she does not conform to make others comfortable. He believes finding who you are without seeking approval is the greatest gift in life.
This belief influences the way he creates looks. For clients who desire undone texture, he shares a simple hack. If products are unavailable, one can mix water, two drops of oil, and sea salt in a spray. After applying and scrunching, the hair dries into a sexy, textured wave. This technique recalls the undone looks he famously created for stars like Sienna Miller and Jessica Biel years ago.
Style Inspiration and Travel Essentials
A bandana is a constant in Abergel’s life. He has worn one since he was a child and puts one on as soon as he gets home. He still owns many pieces from his closet that he had years ago. His style has evolved as he gets older, focusing more on silhouette and tailoring.
