NINE ORCHARD TAPS TAKAMICHI HAIR FOR ITS LUXURIOUS BATH AMENITIES
DEDICATED TO CRAFTSMANSHIP: CHIC DOWNTOWN HOTEL NINE ORCHARD TAPS TAKAMICHI HAIR FOR ITS LUXURIOUS BATH AMENITIES
The New York-based Japanese hairstylist is now offering his clean, European-made haircare and skincare to guests of New York’s coolest new hotel
Some decisions are tough to make, while others feel right from the outset. When New York hairstylist Takamichi Saeki of Takamichi Hair was approached by longtime friend, urban developer, and client Andy Rifkin to create bath amenities for the highly anticipated hotel Nine Orchard, there was no hesitation.
“As soon as I saw the team’s development process, I knew it would be a very special project, says Takamichi of the just-opened boutique property occupying Lower East Side’s landmarked Jarmulowsky bank building. “Based on the hotel’s special location, building, and concept, I was ready to go.”
Their shared love of craftsmanship and specialization also made collaborating a natural fit. Rifkin explains, “I picked entrepreneurs who are true local experts in their fields, and are consistent with the ethos of Nine Orchard.” Takamichi adds, “We have both always believed in the importance of quality. Real craftsmanship translates to timelessness, and we’d like to help pass this mindset to the next generation.”
Acclaimed chef Ignacio Mattos, for example, helms the property’s dining outlets and room service offerings, while Dimes Market curated the guest room minibars. Even smaller details, like the books curated by Leigh Altshuler of Sweet Pickle Books and custom-made speakers by Brooklyn-based Ojas, were all carefully considered.
While many hotel amenity brands, even prestigious ones, license their name and outsource production to make things quickly and cheaply, Takamichi features the original and clean European-made formulas from his namesake collection of Japanese hair products -shampoo, conditioner, and liquid soap, and body lotion infused with his signature green scent developed by Japan’s oldest fragrance house Takasago International Corporation.
But instead of the tiny, wasteful packaging typically used for hotel toiletries, Takamichi chose generously sized five-ounce bottles in a striking cobalt blue. These refillable larger bottles help reduce waste, encourage hotel guests to enjoy using them generously during their stay, and will hopefully inspire new self-care rituals at home.
The Nine Orchard candle, made in New York has the same fragrance than the Nine Orchard shampoo, and Takamichi soap.
Takamachi’s haircare and skincare collection are available for purchase at the Japanese beauty shop takamichibeautyroom.com and Japanese hair grooming takamichihair.com.