The Wizard Who Will Stay with Us Forever

The premiere of the documentary film The Secret of an Ordinary Wizard, dedicated to Nikolai Ivanovich Kharkovsky, a legend of Russian hairdressing, took place at Illuzion, one of Moscow’s oldest cinemas.

In the foyer, visitors were welcomed by an exhibition devoted to the great masters who built the country’s beauty and fashion industry almost from the ground up, including Dolores Kondrashova, Vazha Mkhitaryan, Vyacheslav Zaitsev, and others.

The main event awaited guests inside the cinema hall. On the big screen, the story of Nikolai Ivanovich Kharkovsky unfolded, tracing his journey from a talented boy from the small town of Kalach to captain of the USSR national hairdressing team, winner of international competitions, and an outstanding teacher.

Some people come to represent an entire era, and Kharkovsky was one of them. His talent, unique vision of beauty, and complete dedication lived on through his students. Under his guidance, champions of the USSR, Russia, Europe, and the world emerged.

Thanks to his support, close cooperation with the ESTEL Laboratory, and involvement in the development of many products, ESTEL grew into the company we know today. Kharkovsky was the man who transformed hairdressing from a craft into a form of high art. More importantly, he succeeded in passing on his values, knowledge, and extraordinary creative energy. That was the secret of his magic.

Kharkovsky lived and worked alongside the very best. The film included historical documentary footage and interviews with members of the national team. Those who had stood beside him while representing the country on the world stage shared their memories on screen.

After the screening, a special creative meeting began. Alla Stanislavovna Artyomova, Viktor Dmitrievich Sharapov, Maya Viktorovna Alpatova, Alexander Vladimirovich Krasheninnikov, Lyudmila Tairovna Achilova, and Marina Yuryevna Amerbegova took to the stage.

They shared stories they had carried in their hearts for many years: stories of work and friendship, challenges and victories, and of a man who had meant so much to them — and to all of us.

The audience included both distinguished masters who had started their careers alongside Kharkovsky and young students for whom the USSR national team and its achievements are now part of history.

Thanks to the film and the meeting, what had seemed to belong to the past became present once again. It captivated, inspired, and reminded everyone that behind every hairstyle is a creator, and behind every creator is a teacher.