Stefan Ackerie launches most opulent salon after flood disaster

Hairdressing mogul Stefan Ackerie is set to throw the doors open to his most opulent salon yet after his empire’s South Brisbane HQ was badly damaged by floods earlier this year.

There’s a brilliant new rainbow in Brisbane – and it has Stefan’s name all over it.

Stefan Ackerie, the hairdressing mogul whose South Brisbane headquarters were destroyed by floods earlier this year, is about to throw open the doors to his most opulent salon yet.

Think lashings of travertine marble, floor-to-ceiling gold mirrors, a bespoke homewares and fashion boutique, valet parking and on-demand dining.

Stefan with model Imogen Playford, who wears a sample from the hairdressing mogul’s new range of clothing and accessories. Picture: Adam Head

For this third-generation hairdresser from Lebanon – who opened his first salon in Brisbane in 1965 and will now have 32 across Queensland bearing his signature rainbow logo – his latest is “an over-the-top showpiece”.

“It’s more of a statement than a salon,” Mr Ackerie said.

“The floods were heartbreaking – while we lost everything, including stock from our Bach Living boutique, we were luckier than some as we were able to cope – and we decided to just keep doing what we love.”

Significant flooding in Stefan’s South Brisbane headquarters earlier this year. Photo Supplied

Mr Ackerie’s partner and Stefan general manager Rose King said the new salon – across 200sq m in the Mobo Co building on Tribune Street – would resemble a “first-class lounge”.

“People can come in and spend the entire day with us; we are partnering with Lina restaurant on the 12th floor so clients can order five-star cuisine,” Ms King said.

The couple will be showcasing fashion and homewares from their new salon at The GlamouRossi Fashion Long Lunch, hosted by Damien Anthony Avery-Rossi, at the Hyatt Regency Brisbane on Friday. Labels include locals Lisa Brown, Alexandra and Moss Living.

Artwork of the new shop after the destruction of February’s floods. Photo Supplied