Life & Work with Patricia Morales
Life & Work with Patricia Morales by Voyage LA Magazine
Local Stories: August 14, 2023
Today we’d like to introduce you to Patricia Morales.
Hi Patricia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story began in Del Rio, Texas. Born and raised in that small border town, I grew up immersed in the vibrant Chicano and Lowrider culture. I’m considered a CHICANA.
In the early 90s, I moved to Dallas, got my first big break at TONI & GUY International, worked as a top hairstylist/cutter trained by the incredible MARTIN PEÑA and eventually became a creative director, spending years traveling back and forth to London for training. A typical Dallas night for me involved throwing fashion shows and my own rave parties at the clubs; I was “Queen of the scene… It was a blast.
In 1997, I moved to New York City and worked for Patricia Fields’ HOTEL VENUS “PERFIDIA’S Wig World” in SOHO. Co-workers included CLUB KID Desi Monster, Richie Rich and Sushi – we worked in the same store, just separate departments but got to hang out in the clubs and parties. I also worked at on 8th Street store styling wigs with club kids Tobell Von Cartier & Cody Ravioli. Amanda Lapore was the resident makeup artist downstairs. My next appointment was at the East Village ULTRA Hair Salon as a cutting stylist. There I met some incredible people like owners Randall Seal and Mary Jones-Mellett, who gave me my first Salon opportunity. Around 2004 I started at CUTLER hair Salon working with my bestie and top colorist Ben Stewart. At the time I was bi-coastal, working on the best projects thanks to my hardworking agent.
New York filled me with ambition! NYC Nightlife was my playground; my Club Kid friends gave me life and still inspire me today. I flourished as a freelancer, assisting amazing hairdressers on set and backstage like Guido Palau, Orlando Pita, Ward and Sam McKnight. My reputation grew, allowing me to start headlining my own fashion shows in New York and Milan, including CALVIN KLEIN, CYNTHIA ROWLEY, TSE, MIGUEL ADROVER & ESTEBAN COTAZAR.
In 2003 I met the LOVE OF MY LIFE and we moved to LA 2004! There I worked for celebrity clients like the Osbournes, Christina Aguilera, and BRITNEY SPEARS, all amazing people who inspired me to grow creatively, not only as a hair artist but as a designer. This led to a career highlight in 2008, where I had the pleasure of meeting with and working for both Lady Gaga and Fergie. I created the iconic Lady Gaga Hair Bow for the award-winning video “Poker Face”, now on display at the Haus of Gaga Museum in Las Vegas. Then there were the green braided headphones for Fergie’s “Boom Boom Pow” video – oh and the crazy shit I created for Miley Cyrus! Pig Nose Bows, A Pink Hair Bunny Ear headpiece, those for the VOGUE Easter Issue. I was on cloud nine… I met photographer Damon Baker, becoming close friends and collaborators. We continue to work together, creating images with all the current celebrities and influencers. At one memorable shoot in 2019, I placed a pearl necklace on Lil Huddy and the trend went viral. Working with close friends is magical. We can passionately bounce ideas, creating an entire world that we get to live in for a couple of days.
I launched my first hair accessory collection in 2011, named “TOUGH LOVE”, the collection showcased a fusion of 90s pop culture, Marie Antoinette glamor, and Chola influences, featuring gold, silver, and jewel-encrusted combs, crowns, and custom-made pieces which sold at COLETTE Paris. My next collection was inspired by a mix of vibrant Harajuku culture in Japan fused with Chola. “Harajuku Chola” launched in 2012. Now I’m in love with denim and continue to explore hair accessories and wearable art made from vintage-distressed denim. Turbans, wraps, indigenous-inspired feathers and denim-wrapped bamboo earrings, denim wigs, crowns and tiaras. I love playing with new ideas and twisting the old classics.
Reliving my experiences whilst growing up in Texas during the 90s and being part of the NYC underground scene – all inspire my references that I bring to my art and audience.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t always been smooth. One of the significant challenges I faced was a stage 4 uterine cancer diagnosis. But with support from loved ones, I fought back and emerged stronger. Luckily It was caught on time, and I was able to continue working after a year. This experience taught me resilience and to appreciate every moment. However, I am also fortunate enough to have a strong management team around me at THE VISIONARIES AGENCY. They support my career goals and help me succeed on a daily basis. My team really understands the true value and great importance of an authentic artist-to-agent relationship, which is so challenging to come across these days.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I’m excited to announce the opening of LA MORALES, an exhibition salon and hair spa in East Hollywood. It’s a space where I showcase my artistry and cater to private and celebrity clients. If you’re in the area, come and experience the magic.
LA MORALES
1306 N Edgemont St.
Contact Info:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patriciamoralesla/
