In the heart of Noosa resides a man whose life story reads like a script lifted from the golden age of Hollywood.
Leon D’Aulnais, at 83 is not merely a hairdresser; he is a living legend whose journey through the realms of dance, glamour, and style has left an indelible mark on the world around him.
Born in Sydney in 1941, Leon’s fascination with the world of ballet was ignited at the tender age of five, when the ethereal performance of Giselle captivated his young heart.
Raised by a mother whose passion for ballet was palpable, Leon’s destiny seemed preordained.
Though he entered the realm of dance relatively late, at 16, his innate talent, coupled with unwavering determination, propelled him to the zenith of his class, proving that age is no barrier to the pursuit of one’s dreams.
However, the practicalities of life soon beckoned, leading Leon to pivot towards a career in hairdressing. Little did he know that this decision would open doors to a world of glamour and intrigue beyond his wildest imaginings.
His tenure at Elizabeth Arden’s Sydney’s boutique salon marked the genesis of his ascent in the world of hairstyling, where his creativity, eye for detail, and passion for his craft set him apart as a master of his trade.
Leon’s debut in the world of cinema came with the now-iconic film They’re A Weird Mob, adapted from John O’Grady’s 1957 novel.
The story follows the adventures of Italian immigrant Nino Culotta as he navigates the idiosyncrasies of Australian culture. Set against the backdrop of Sydney, the film captures Nino’s humorous encounters and cultural clashes as he tries to adapt to his new surroundings. In 1966, this beloved novel was brought to life on the silver screen, and Leon found himself not only styling the hair of the actors but also making memorable appearances in several scenes. His boyish charm and innate style seamlessly integrated him into the vibrant atmosphere of the swinging ’60s, captured magnificently against the iconic backdrop of Sydney Harbour. Even today, the stills from the film serve as a time capsule, perfectly encapsulating the spirit of an era defined by its irreverence and charm.
Cementing his status as a maestro of style, Leon was asked to work on the glamorous production of Diary of The Plastic Surgeon.
After realising that his passion for style had turned into success, Leon wanted to explore the world. He booked himself a one-way ticket through the East, via Russia, with the last stop in Copenhagen, where he found a job and began to enjoy European life. Unfortunately, the cold winter wasn’t pleasant for him and prompted another change – moving to London, where Leon’s brother lived.
Leon approached the famous Elizabeth Arden salon on Bond St and secured a glamorous job for the following three years.
As his career gained momentum, word of Leon’s talents spread like wildfire, attracting a stream of ‘A’ listers to the salon eager to experience his transformative touch.
Jazz singer Sarah Vaughan and actresses such as Jane Powell, Donna Douglas, and Cyd Charisse left looking more glamorous than ever thanks to Leon’s expertise.
Among his most esteemed clients was the iconic British actor Vivien Leigh, who found solace in Leon’s chair amidst personal turmoil. Vivien, adorned in a red Christian Dior suit, entranced Leon during her performances in Twelfth Night and Lady of Camellia, leaving an indelible impression of her stunning elegance.
London’s Elizabeth Arden Salon on Bond Street served as a playground for burgeoning talent, and Leon relished immersing himself in British culture. Rubbing shoulders with famous actresses, models, and societal luminaries, he indulged in fine cuisine and high fashion, basking in the glow of pure glamour.
Of all the illustrious women who graced the salon, Leon held the Duchess of Argyll in highest esteem. Duchess of Argyll stood out as the epitome of beauty, with her milky-white flawless skin and dark hair, always elegantly styled in a classical mid-length, brushed back, and turned out at the sides. Renowned for her beauty, Ethel Margaret Campbell captivated Leon with her timeless allure, epitomising elegance with every visit.
Amidst his father’s health struggles, Leon made the difficult decision to return to his hometown of Sydney, where he assumed a position at the esteemed ‘Alexander’s’ salon in Double Bay.
Yet, the allure of the exotic soon beckoned, prompting Leon’s relocation to Hong Kong, where he embarked on his new chapter working in a new salon alongside a trusted friend. This period of his life spanned over two decades, during which Leon immersed himself in the vibrant tapestry of Hong Kong’s beauty scene, leaving an indelible mark on the city’s cosmopolitan landscape.
In 1997, Leon found himself drawn back to Sydney once more, this time to embark on a new venture – opening a cashmere business. However, amidst the hustle and bustle of entrepreneurship, Leon rediscovered his passion for ballet.
Returning to the studio, he resumed classes and soon realised the profound void that dance had left in his life during his absence. The familiar rhythm of ballet provided solace and rejuvenation, reminding Leon of the sheer joy and fulfilment it brought him.
Fast forward to 2019 and we find Leon retired in Noosa, but still enjoying Ballet in the skillful hands of Angelika Burroughs, who runs FitBarre ,an amazing fitness regime for adults based on the grace and beauty of ballet.
Angelika a former professional ballerina, has combined the core building exercises she learnt at Ballet School in Kiev, Ukraine with ballet movements and her own choreography, making getting fit an artform and stimulating for the brain as well as the body.
Leon loves his allegro, adagio and last year performed a solo to Tchaikovsky’s waltz of the flowers at Eumundi’s Christmas Extravaganza to great applaud.
Leon’s infectious charm, coupled with his witty banter and twinkling eyes, endear him to all who grace Angelika’s FitBarre classes.
His presence brings a ray of sunshine to every session, leaving participants eagerly anticipating his next performance.
As he prepares to take the stage once more, Leon’s passion for dance shines brighter than ever.
Here’s to Leon – may he continue to dance his way through life, spreading joy and inspiration wherever he goes.
