They say that behind every star is an even greater hairstylist. For 50 years, style king Pierre Alexandre has stood behind a lineup of legendary stars, including The Beatles, Rod Stewart, Elizabeth Taylor and beyond. More recently, it was Pierre Alexandre’s time to shine! His luxurious King Street West salon in Manchester, England was the recent setting of a lavish party that celebrated a half-century of styling success.
Regarded as hairdressing royalty, Pierre Alexandre’s many accolades include inventing the foils used for highlighting, pioneering the concept of “unisex” hairdressing and designing the “Intercut” style made famous by Jason Donovan in the ’80s. Here, Alexandre dishes about his storied career in an exclusive interview with HOT.
Q. Please tell me a bit about your career and major milestones.
A. I started hairdressing in Basel, Switzerland at age 15 on an apprenticeship. Later I went to work for a small salon. One day, someone came in and recruited me for a job in England, so eventually I moved to Manchester. While there, one of my clients asked me if I was interested in opening my own salon. In March 1965, The Pierre Alexandre Salon was created. Many significant milestones followed.
In 1968, I decided to open a unique salon with a new concept that catered to young people. I made up the word “uni-sex” to describe the salon, which was called Romeo & Juliet. The opening of the salon marked the first time men and women could sit beside one another while having their hair done, drinking Coca Cola and listening to loud music. When I described my salon concept to the press my word, “unisex” caught on and spread to London and the rest of the world.
A few months after The Pierre Alexandre’s opening, I grew tired of using rubber caps and was looking for a new way to apply highlights, so I went to the hardware shop and bought a roll of expensive silver tin foil paper. I cut the paper into strips and used them for long-hair highlights. A few years later I was working in Germany for Wella--it was the first company to introduce tin foils that were ready-cut just for hairdressers.
Throughout my career, I have one memory that truly stands out. It is the highest compliment I ever received and I have not spoke about it until now. Years ago, I received an invitation to see Marlene Dietrich’s tour show at The Opera House Theatre in Manchester through an agent I knew. After the show I was introduced to Dietrich. When she greeted me she said that she knew I was the famous hairdresser who specialized in fine hair. Later, we went for dinner and I ended up in her room after midnight washing her hair and blow drying it with her brushes. She was not the woman I knew from all of the photos and she had fine hair. She told me that she wore wigs most of her life and she said it wasn’t fair that now--at the end of her live tours--she finally found the hairdresser she was seeking all along. The show in Manchester was one of Dietrich’s last live tours in the UK.
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| Gatsby: The Great Hair Collection for 2012 |
Q. After 50 years of hairdressing, what key attributes do you believe have truly defined your career?
A. My art, skills and personality have taken me a long way and so has my reputation for blowing long wavy locks into pin-straight hair. As a showman on stage and in the press, I created hairstyles for international events. When the Concorde had it’s maiden flight, I designed a “Concorde” hairstyle, which was featured in a the UK’s “Daily Mail” and in the “Chicago Tribune.” It was syndicated around the world. I did this again when Apollo launched, when “Halley’s Comet” passed the earth in the ’90s, and did many more projects like this.
Q. Are there any particular clients or work experiences that trump all others?
A. I was in Los Angeles at Rod McKuen’s mansion with his road manager, who received a call from a contact who told him that his friend, ‘Elizabeth’ urgently needed a hairdresser since her stylist was in an accident. Off I went to The Beverly Hills Hotel and this is how I met Elizabeth Taylor. She was an appreciating woman--very charming--and made me feel at ease the moment I met her. She knew I was nervous and relaxed me instantly by saying, “Cute boy--don’t worry! I won’t bite you!” Another time Eartha Kitt bathed her Chihuahuas in my salon and I told her off! Years later, she helped me clean the streets of Manchester to get ready for the British Commonwealth.
Q. How have your personal contributions impacted the hair industry?
A. I introduced tin foils, created the ‘Intercut,’ coined the term ‘unisex,’ and was named ‘The Beatle of Hairdressing.’ During the ’70s and ’80s, I was often referred to as ‘the teacher’ and ‘the showman.’ Countless on-stage appearances transformed my shyness to cheekiness, and I was well respected by thousands of international stylists. I often received standing ovations at shows. During a show in Vancouver, I was told that the audience seldom gave applause, but I received tons of applause and a standing ovation that lasted more than 10 minutes. Although that was amazing, I personally never considered myself a ‘star.’
Q. How has the industry changed from your earliest days until now?
A. Today’s hairdressers have much more respect in the business community. Banks and financial institutions view their businesses as good investments and stylists are no longer stereotyped as unintelligent people, but as professionals who work hard and are dedicated to their jobs.
Q. What valuable lessons have you learned over the years?
A. I’ve learned not to be too friendly with staff because they need to respect me as their boss. I’ve also learned to listen to my instincts when meeting new challenges and people. I always look to the future with hope and never look back. I don’t like the saying, “if I only?” I am what I am today because of all I’ve done in the past.
Q. What advice do you have for aspiring artists?
A. Be committed and be honest with yourself. Know your limits and go for your goals. Be yourself.
Pierre Alexandre brings back the 1920s bob in 2012
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| Gatsby: The Great Hair Collection for 2012 |
With a client list that reads like the Oscar’s guest list, Pierre Alexandre is no stranger to A-list style. Pioneering the concept of unisex hairdressing, Pierre Alexandre made his name in the 60s, styling stars such as The Beatles, David Bowie, Take That, Rod Stewart , Andy Williams, Eartha Kitt and Elizabeth Taylor. He’s even credited with invented highlighting foils, and styles ranging from the power and halo looks, to the famous Jason Donovan ‘Intercut’ of the 80s.
In 2000, Pierre Alexandre took a back seat due to ill health. But now he’s back behind the chair doing what he does best – translating his passion for style into a new collection. Inspired by the eagerly anticipated 2012 movie ‘The Great Gatsby’,
Pierre Alexandre has always been one step ahead and is the first to create a collection influenced by the film.
Quite literally making waves the world over for 50 years himself, Pierre Alexandre predicts that the wave will be making a splash all over again for the 2012/13 seasons – a style reflected in the Gatsby Collection.
With a touch of old-Hollywood glamour, the suite of styles is set to make a stylish statement for both men and women. For women, the look is highly feminine and romantic. While for men, there are distinctive waves and Tony Curtis-style quiffs for that retro appeal.
Designed to celebrate Pierre Alexandre’s 50 years as a hairdressing superstar, the Gatsby Collection is warm, striking and guaranteed to turn heads.
Swiss-born with his heart in the UK, the Pierre Alexandre flagship salon can be found on Manchester’s King Street West.
So take a trip down the red carpet and discover a personal collection that’s been 50 years in the making.
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| Fashion Stylist: Steven Spencer Make up Artist: Nita Malata Photography: Rory Lewis Hair Design: Pierre Alexandre personaly and his Artistic Team |
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Pierre Alexandre has always been one step ahead and is the first to create a hair collection influenced by the film.
Quite literally making waves the world over for 50 years himself, Pierre Alexandre predicts that the wave will be making a splash all over again for the 2012/13 seasons -- a style reflected in the Gatsby Collection.
With a touch of old-Hollywood glamour, the suite of styles is set to make a stylish statement for both men and women. For women, the look is highly feminine and romantic. While for men, there are distinctive waves and Tony Curtis-style quiffs for that retro appeal.
Designed to celebrate Pierre Alexandre's 50 years as a hairdressing superstar, the Gatsby Collection is warm, striking and guaranteed to turn heads.
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