Balmain Paris Hair Couture · 2025
From Balmain East
to Cannes.
George Mattar on Cannes, creative freedom and the moment his work appeared in Vanity Fair Italy.
Read the interviewThe collaboration
A different stage.
The same attention to detail.
In 2025, George Mattar, Artistic Director of h.AIRLAB in Balmain East, joined Balmain Paris Hair Couture at the Cannes Film Festival, styling the brand’s celebrity ambassadors.
The collaboration brought his work from the salon to an international setting. Selected as the only Australian stylist to represent Balmain at the festival, George’s role placed hair at the meeting point of fashion, film and the red carpet.
In conversation
It began with an invitation.
George’s involvement began when Balmain reached out for his assistance. That invitation took the Balmain East stylist into a setting where fashion, hair, beauty and film came together.
“I came on board after they reached out asking for my assistance.”
George Mattar
In conversation
Room to truly create.
For George, Cannes offered more than a change of location. It was a chance to step outside his usual commercial work and, in his words, “truly create”. Surrounded by the things he loves, the experience felt like a dream.
“The experience meant so many things to me, but in a nutshell it was a moment straight out of a dream. I was surrounded by fashion, hair, beauty and glam—everything I love.”
George Mattar
The work, up close
Hair for the occasion.
Portraits, arrivals and details from Cannes 2025. Select a photograph for a closer look.
In conversation
The moment it felt real.
Asked which moment stands out, George points to seeing his work in Vanity Fair Italy. Amid the glamour of Cannes, it was that recognition in print that stayed with him—a moment he recalls with a little humour.
“The moment that stands out was seeing my work in Vanity Fair Italy. That was the moment where I felt like a professional, funnily enough.”
George Mattar
Behind the look
See it in motion.
Hair styling at the Cannes Film Festival, 2025.
Cannes Film Festival 2025
In conversation
Bringing Cannes home.
Working beside hair and makeup artists from around the world gave George another lasting part of the experience: learning. The techniques, ideas and different ways of thinking did not stay at the festival. He brought them home, into the salon.
“I also got a chance to work beside some truly amazing hair and makeup artists from around the globe, who I learnt so much from. I was able to bring new techniques, ideas and ways to think outside the box back home and into the salon.”
George Mattar
From the Cannes archive
The original announcement
h.AIRLAB by George is honoured to announce an exciting collaboration with Balmain Paris Hair Couture at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. Artistic Director George, proudly representing Australia as the only stylist selected, will be styling Balmain’s celebrity ambassadors attending this prestigious event. This partnership highlights our salon’s international recognition and commitment to excellence, bringing Australian artistry and innovation to the global stage.
BEING SELECTED AS THE EXCLUSIVE AUSTRALIAN STYLIST TO REPRESENT BALMAIN AT THE CANNES FILM FESTIVAL UNDERSCORES THE EXCEPTIONAL SKILL, PRECISION, AND ARTISTRY REQUIRED FOR THIS CALIBRE OF WORK. THIS ACHIEVEMENT NOT ONLY CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION BUT ALSO REFLECTS THE DEDICATION AND TECHNICAL EXPERTISE DEMANDED AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF HAIRSTYLING EXCELLENCE.