Emma, Julien Farel, and I inside the pop-up salon at the US Open. Photo by Yuki Tai.
While watching the Australian Open over the past two weeks, I couldn’t help thinking about making the very first episode of Reflections. On a sweltering day last August, I took a long subway ride out to the US Open in Queens to meet producer extraordinaire Emma Myhre and record at what is known as the rowdiest, booziest, most crowded Grand Slam in the world.
What could possibly go wrong?
Answer: a frightening number of things. But in true delulu fashion, we ignored every potential disaster, powered through a humid marathon of a day, and somehow pulled together a debut episode we’re both proud of. Recording it was absolutely exhausting—but like winning a Grand Slam, the result was worth every drop of sweat. I hope you’ll listen—and agree.
At the US Open, hair was top of mind. I interviewed veteran hairstylist Julien Farel at the exclusive pop-up salon he’s been running at the tournament since 2007—for players and VIPs only. When he started 17 years ago, social media didn’t exist. While tennis players certainly received press coverage, it was nothing like the scrutiny they’re under today.
Now, a player’s new haircut or color can become international news overnight. “It has become way larger than ever before,” Julien told me. “And I think there is no way back. It’s only going to grow and grow and grow. That’s the reality.” His comments stayed with me, especially as image and visibility continue to reshape professional sports.
Melbourne didn’t deliver any breakout beauty moments, but I’m still obsessed with the bold red braids Coco Gauff debuted in December. She carried the look through her Australian Open run, which—sadly—ended sooner than we’d all hoped. (This also feels like a good time to mention that no tennis rackets were harmed in the making of this newsletter.)
Spice, spice baby
Style-wise, the conversation at the Australian Open centered on Naomi Osaka and the dramatic jellyfish-inspired outfit she wore in the first round. I love the idea of bringing couture to the court, but I struggled to understand this particular look, or why someone as famously shy and introverted as Naomi would want to draw so much attention to herself. Make it make sense!
When the court doubles as a runway
At this point in Naomi’s big comeback arc, I’d rather see her focus on getting back to the top of her game versus winning in headline-making fashion.
And while we’re here: tennis fans were fully justified in mercilessly roasting Jannik Sinner’s unflattering AO Nike kits. Why would the brand do this to the #2 men’s player in the world? Or, frankly, to anyone?
The internet had a field day with this
Here’s hoping the French Open in May offers us more to work with—exciting hair moments, cool nails, something. Because this tournament was not giving, as the kids say.
What I’m Reading (and Watching, and Texting About)
Serena Williams is a real one for offering to teach Coco how to smash her racket more efficiently. That’s true GOAT behavior.
Future NBA Hall-of-Famer Kevin Durant turned his ashy skin issues into a partnership with CeraVe. Why not?
WNBA player Angel Reese is investing in Topicals, a buzzy Black-owned skincare brand. The deal could be a clue as to where the love affair between athletes and beauty brands might go next.
The body positivity movement already feels like a distant memory.
The Beauty on FX might be a hot mess, but apparently, the show is a hit.
It's so unfair that Halle Berry looks like this at age 59.
As my mother pointed out, a lot of artists “forgot to wear a shirt” to the Grammys.
See you soon-ish,
B
