Make no bones about it; from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’s latest, greatest “ANTI-Social Network” episode to AMC’s new Western Hell on Wheels, rugged individualism has never been more en vogue. And rugged individualism is what you get at the District’s just opened salon-meets-saloon Eastern Confederate.
As the aforementioned ”Always Sunny’s” Frank Reynolds says of the trendiest hot spots, “That’s the most important thing: Exclusivity. Weird drinks. No sign. It’s cool.”
Eastern Confederate certainly fits the bill. The basement level location is unmarked as I show up to meet co-owner and stylist Ryan Hunter Mitchell. There is, however, an ironic nod to the salon’s name in the brightly lit Western Union sign hovering above the entrance.
I walk into a space designed like an offbeat Irish distillery. A giant, wooden whiskey barrel sits in the middle of a sparse room flanked by impressive antique, leather barber chairs. Mitchell offers me a beer and begins telling me about the special events he’s already lined up – the once a month Mimosa Sundays for women and Gentleman’s Affairs for men. Along with cheap ($45-55) haircuts the salon sells tickets to the events as a way to build a sense of community.
The Gentleman’s Affairs offer men an old-fashioned shave, shine and cut. “I have this hot young girl who comes in. She’s a barber who straight razor shaves,” Mitchell says with a grin. “I give out cigars and whiskey and you can play cards.”
“Booze and cigars are included?” I ask incredulously as my eye wanders to the handsome wood paneling and vintage rotary phone mounted along the wall. “What about Mimosa Sundays?”
“Yeah, women can come by, have a mimosa or two, get their nails done, get a blow out and hang out,” Mitchell answers matter-of-factly. “And yes, I designed it along with my former Vidal Sassoon partners turned co-owners Kate and Meg. I ripped up the floors, painted it…I put all my money into this.”
The salon is already taking off. Mitchell’s phone is ringing off the hook while I’m inquiring as to where he procured his amazing vintage barber chairs.
“They’re hard to find. One’s from Maryland. One’s from West Virgina, They range in price, up to $400.” Mitchell says. “Hey, what do you think of this invitation for the Gentleman’s Affair? My friend designed it.”
I appreciate the DIY ethic and the solid design and acknowledge this before asking how he afforded to rent the space in DC’s happening Mount Pleasant neighborhood. I know he was making money before by cutting hair independently after leaving Vidal Sassoon. He had cut mine a few times and I could attest to his skill.
“How’d I get the money? Basement blowjobs,” he answers cheerfully.
I laugh and decide not to question him further as he puts on an old record and I settle into a homey leather chair with my beer.
Eastern Confederate: 3112 Mount Pleasant St. NW, DC; 202-621-7363
