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Apollo 2 – The Evolution Of A Grooming Icon

 An iconic chair design that’s found new fans in hair and beauty!

There’s little doubt that grooming chairs are integral to being a barber and one model in particular has gained international recognition like no other – the Apollo 2 by Takara Belmont. Barbers and men’s stylists are simply passionate about it.

Over six decades, the Apollo 2 has become the equipment benchmark for barbers that appreciate its classic design and unmistakable silhouette, sheer strength and comfort, and its performance reliability. Say ‘Apollo 2’, and even barbers that don’t have one will know it, and most likely want one. And for those that do have Apollo 2’s there’s no going back. It has earned status, respect and trust in equal measure.

More recent expansions to the Apollo Series – namely the Apollo 2 Elite and Apollo 2 Icon have seen it find favour in hair salons and beauty establishments too. From the VIP room at Daniel Galvin to Dougie John’s Hairdressing in Edinburgh, this design classic is enhancing every setting and service experience. Traditional barbers, high-end men’s grooming salons, unisex salons and hair salons are all adding to its legacy as the world’s most famous grooming chair. 

chair

Aspiration defined by evolution

Few, if any, furniture pieces have captured the spirit of barbering, defined it as symbolically or become as aspirational as the Apollo 2. Its enduring popularity has seen it become and remain a global best-seller and, for many decades, it remained largely unchanged. However, like all great icons the Apollo 2 has evolved – first through minor adaptations and subtle modernisations to the introduction of new models that have added to its heritage and appeal. Adapting a classic design is a delicate operation. Yet Takara Belmont has successfully expanded the Apollo 2 Series to offer new and exciting equipment pieces whilst preserving its integrity and form. 

Common to all models, the distinctive cast iron frame, signature Belmont-branded footrest with stopper, padded armrests and spring-loaded seat cushion are flanked with functional features including 360˚ lockable rotation and a reclining backrest. Along with hydraulic or motorised base options, a wide range of upholstery colours and textures, and other optional features, barbers can customise the Apollo 2 to make it their own. Yet aesthetically each model offers something truly unique.

Apollo 2 chair

APOLLO 2 – The Original Icon

As the world’s most iconic barber chair, the original Apollo 2 stays true to its origins with traditional nuances like the optional armrest-ashtray contributing to its appeal. Despite decades of changing fashions and interior trends, the Apollo 2 has remained in-vogue, adapting to any interior setting. With a wide range of other optional features, such as a traditional shave bowl and ring and classic heel-rest, Apollo 2 is the genuine article. Often imitated, yet never equalled.

chair

APOLLO 2 ELITE

As the first evolution in the Apollo 2 dynasty, Apollo 2 Elite represents an elevation in aesthetic styling with refined metalwork in black matt or gloss or a white gloss finish with a co-ordinated black, white or chrome base. Available in black or white upholstery with contrasting piping as standard, the Apollo 2 Elite has found favour in upmarket male grooming salons, as well as extending the Apollo 2’s appeal into unisex salons and even beauty environments.

Apollo 2 chair

APOLLO 2 ICON

A one-off project with Bentley Motors to upholster an Apollo 2 barber chair in their distinctive quilted diamond-stitched pattern provided inspiration for the Apollo 2 Icon. This new variation advanced the Apollo 2 Series to make luxury the preserve of all barbers aiming for even higher standards of refinement and comfort. The addition of a synchronised reclining backrest and raising footrest along with an enhanced aesthetic elevates the personality of the Apollo 2.     

If, as Oscar Wilde is quoted to have said, that ‘imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness’, the Apollo 2 is undoubtedly the most imitated and copied barber chair. But there is only one.  And the connection, passion and pride that barbers have in the Apollo 2 is self-evident. So, if it’s classic design that can be individually customised, longevity, reliability and endurance you’re looking for, it has to be the original Apollo 2 by Takara Belmont!

For more news from Takara Belmont, click HERE.

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