Stylepoints: Remembering Vidal Sassoon

The snip of Vidal Sassoon's scissors changed the way women around the world do their hair -- including in the Twin Cities.

Many are remembering just how the famous hairdresser, who died at 84 last week, revolutionized the beauty industry. At his Bond Street salon in London, Sassoon created the five-point haircut and specialized in geometric cuts that characterized the swinging 1960s. The look really hit the United States when Sassoon gave Mia Farrow her pixie cut on the set of "Rosemary's Baby."

With his eponymous product line, Sassoon touted to the world, "If you don't look good, we don't look good."

Local hair-care industry insiders who came in contact with Sassoon over the years shared their memories of the iconic hairdresser.

ROCCO ALTOBELLI, ROCCO ALTOBELLI COMPANIES

Met Sassoon: In the 1970s, when he studied with Sassoon in 1970 before opening his eponymous salon in 1972.

Influence: "Everything I did was copied after the Sassoon organization. ... Every woman in the world, if they don't put rollers in their hair anymore, they owe it to Sassoon. When Vidal came to Minneapolis to promote his products, I said, 'Vidal, I owe you everything. If you want me to pay you a percentage of what I'm doing, I owe you and my kids owe you.'" In 2011, at an event for "Vidal Sassoon: The Movie" in Chicago: "I reminded him that I owe him a percentage of my salons. He said, 'I'll just put it on your bill; your credit is still good for me.'"

HORST RECHELBACHER, INTELLIGENT NUTRIENTS

Met Sassoon: In 1962, at a hair show in England.

A vision: "He was always a gentleman. Vidal Sassoon, besides being a very attractive human being, had the ability to be quite magnetic. ... His work was very simplistic, but very precise. That was really his art. He definitely created a blueprint that is still around."

Funny story: "In England, we stayed at the same hotel and you put your shoes outside to get them polished. Once, I got his shoes and he got my shoes. He wore shoes with high heels -- the '60s look, Carnaby Street look. They made him look taller."

DAVID ADAMS OF RED CHOCOLATE

Met Sassoon: In the 1980s, while training and working at the salon in London.

At the salon: "I can't say I knew him as a personal friend, but he would come into the salon when I was working. There would be a whisper in the building, 'Vidal is in the building.' He would talk to me like a long-lost friend: 'Hey, David, what are you doing?' 'Tell me about the hair color; why are you doing that?' 'That looks fantastic.' ... He just made you feel special. He was a god. When he walked in the room, you talked about it for days."

Lasting legacy: "When I talk to students today, I tell them about the morning inspections. ... We had to look clean, tidy and immaculate. ... Professionalism was the key to everything. He used to cut hair in three-piece suits."

JON ENGLISH, JON ENGLISH SALONS

Met Sassoon: In the 1960s, when he worked briefly as an apprentice at Sassoon's salon in London. English left for Crimpers, a spinoff salon with Sassoon disciples.

At the bottom: "As an apprentice, I didn't interact with him -- it wasn't politically correct. Things were really strict. It was as disciplined as the technical approach. You didn't get to work late. You knew you were at the best place that there was. The clients were famous, and people would only get their hair done the way Sassoon did it. "

Legacy continues: "He made hairdressing hip. ... Before that, it wasn't an art."

CHRISTOPHER PRATHER, MASTER STYLIST AT EXTRADOS

Met Sassoon: About 12 years ago, when he attended Sassoon Academy in Santa Monica, Calif.
What happened: "I got to shake his hand, and he singled me out and made the comment, 'You are the future of hair.'"

PICK OF THE WEEK
LOFT's 'The Now Style Event' Whether it's office-ready trousers or weekend go-to tanks or throw-on-and-go dresses, LOFT has plenty of options that find a delicate balance between trendy and classic. On Saturday, receive 30 percent off purchases and a tote with a purchase of $75 or more. Stores will be offering $50 gift cards every hour from noon to 5 p.m.

Dip-dye tote, 70, zig-zag wide belt, $35 and ikat scarf, $35. Six metro locations, including Rosedale, 651-633-6044. On www.loft.com, use the promo code theNOW.

THURSDAY

gloMinerals Happy Hour: Get a new summer look through a personal session with a makeup artist, plus refreshments. A $25 reservation fee is redeemable in gloMineral products.

6 to 8 p.m., Jungle Red, 1362 LaSalle Av. S., Mpls.; 612-870-0653 to reserve a spot.

Chamilia Trunk Show: Shop the selection of seasonal beads, crystals and charms to design your own bracelet.

Scheherazade Jewelers, Galleria, Edina, 952-926-2455.

SATURDAY

Fever8 Fashion Spring Fashion Show: Featuring looks from La Rue Marche, Embellish Salon, Lavender Thymes, Stella& Dot and Retro Society Jewelry. Proceeds benefit Karis Steenberg, a local cancer patient.

6:30 p.m., Dibbos, 517 2nd St., Hudson, Wis.; $12 tickets available at La Rue Marche, Embellish Salon and Lavender Thymes.

Dress for Success Clothing Sale: Discounted clothing and accessories plus a $5 leather and designer section. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit. Bring a shopping bag.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Dress for Success Twin Cities, 1549 W. University Av., St. Paul.

Helen Wang trunk show: Local jewelry designer Helen Wang will be on hand with her latest collection. Save 20 percent during the event.

Noon to 4 p.m., OPM, 3700 Grand Way, St. Louis Park, 952-567-7399, www.opmboutique.com.

Sara Glassman • 612-673-7177 • sglassman@startribune.com