As Koda Cutters reopens its iconic Bondi store we spoke to Creative Director Diane Gorgievski on beginning in the industry and the advice she’ll pass on.

My breakthrough career moment was ...
It was always one of my dreams to work on an international level, so when I was asked by Luigi Murenu to work on his main hair team, it was really a special moment.  I travelled the world working on international fashion shows such as Max Mara, Gucci, Rick Owens – this is where I essentially learned to refine my skills and really mastered my craft.

The top 5 most useful products in the salon/ on set are ...
Oribe Après Beach Wave and Shine spray - a go-to for sexy beach waves.
Impermeable Anti-Humidity spray - definitely one I use on set a lot. It is the only anti-humidly hair spray in the world. It’s great for keeping the frizz at bay and look strong, it also doubles as a hair spray- bonus!
David Mallett Australian Salt spray - I use this both on set and in the salon. The light salty spray has bergamot scent which is just divine to work with.
Wella Ocean Spritz Sea Salt spray - I use this for weekly blow-dries. The Spritz is perfect for soaking up oil at the roots and is great for texture and grit.
R+CO Badlands Dry Shampoo paste - this dry shampoo paste is the only one in the world I use, it goes on as a paste and turns into dry shampoo. It soaks up any oil in the roots and gives volume to your everyday look.

The product(s) most worth the investment are ...
Balmain Silk Hair perfume - this cult product that has a great scent but also has softening properties and is great for split ends.
Balmain Sun Protection spray - great for beach goers who don’t want to put heavy products in their hair- this protection spray even has UV protectors!
Olaplex No.3- hair protector - This stuff is hair insurance, it helps prevent snap and breakage.
Oribe Gold Lust Dry shampoo - premium pricing but has real hair repairing properties. This dry shampoo also cleans out oil and product whilst repairing the hair cuticle.

My biggest beauty trick/tip is ...
Brush your hair and fasten in two tight buns at the base of the hairline, let them out in the morning and you get a really polished blow dry look.

My favourite career memory/highlight is ...
Opening KODA has definitely been one of the biggest highlights of my career. I couldn’t be happier with its growth and the fact that we are set to re-open into a bigger space this December means so much. The newly renovated salon will now truly reflect KODA’s premium offering; the space filled with luxury interiors, from Philippe Stark mirrors, brass fittings, custom green onxy reception desk and European oak flooring.

My advice to people getting started in the industry is ...
Be passionate and be patient. Learning the craft can be lengthy but it is one of those things, it’s a journey not a destination.