An inspirational Hong Kong success story, the name Kim Robinson has become synonymous with style and is known across Asia and far beyond by some of the world’s most beautiful women.
In a career spanning almost four decades, Kim’s journey has taken him from the catwalks of the world’s fashion capitals to the pages of Vogue, earning a cavalcade of devoted A-list clients which have included Princess Diana, Kate Moss, Cindy Crawford, Michelle Yeoh, Anita Mui, Sandy Lam, Zhang Ziyi, Gong Li, Rosamund Kwan Chi-lam, Carina Lau Kar-ling, Cherie Chong Chor-hung and Vicki Zhao Wei.
A pioneer in his field, Kim introduced sophisticated hair colour techniques to Hong Kong in the mid-1970’s, was the first international stylist to partner with a major fashion retailer, and is today celebrated as an international arbiter of style.
Kim has a flair for colour, particularly working with Asian hair, while his signature techniques include the ‘dry cut’, using the natural flow of the hair to create styles which last. Believable beauty and an uncompromising attitude towards quality and excellence are central to Kim’s philosophy.
Born in Western Australia, from the age of just 14, Kim trained at the Australian Institute of Technology, winning the prestigious Apprentice of the Year award. In 1974, he travelled to Hong Kong and began his enduring love affair with the city, bringing with him both his exceptional talent and hitherto unknown techniques.
In 1976, Kim headed to Europe to hone his skills with mentors such as Vidal Sassoon and celebrated French coiffeur Alexandre de Paris, with whom he styled couture collections for the likes of Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent and Valentino.
Returning to Hong Kong in 1981, Kim founded Le Salon Orient, with six branches across Asia. The concept raised the bar on style and beauty in the region with Orient Colour, a make-up range designed primarily for Asian skin; Orient Beauty magazine in partnership with publishers Hachette; and the Orient Technique Academy complementing the salon services.
In 1999, Kim embarked on a new challenge as co-founder of Salon Esprit with the eponymous international fashion retailer. An immediate success both in Hong Kong and Shanghai, Salon Esprit was a first-to-market concept in fashion-beauty synergy.
Today, the stunning Hong Kong flagship kimrobinson salon opened in 2002, and is located in Central’s prestigious Landmark Chater House. In Singapore kimrobinson has a large, prestigious and loyal clientele.
Kim’s team is made up of only the most gifted and professional stylists, all hand-picked by him. Likewise, all products and services are sourced and personally selected by Kim. Following many years of exhaustive research to find the optimum solution to one of the biggest challenges in beauty, Kim introduced the ground-breaking Hair Rejuvenation Formula® (HRF®): A powerful, non-invasive and holistic method of reversing thinning hair. As well as being Asia’s most celebrated and respected stylist, Kim is also a talented artist and has exhibited in both Hong Kong and Singapore.