Celebrity Hairdresser Frédéric Fekkai

Back in 2004 I was invited to his corporate offices in New York City to meet with his chief hair accessory designer, to discuss HairBoutique.com carrying the eponymous line which already was a fixture in Berfdorf Goodman and Henri Bendels'.

(Image of Frederic Fekkai from Shear Genius - 2007 - Bravo/TV - all rights reserved).

Although Frederic was not in attendance at that meeting, his offices were an extension of his personality and were very chic and elegant.

Before HairBoutique.com could finalize a deal to work with the Fekkai hair accessory line, Frederic and his business advisers decided to discontinue production of hair accessories and refocus on his other business interests such as his Fekkai salons and hair care products.

A few years after discontinuing his hair accessory line Frederic opened a salon at Henri Bendel, one of the world's most famed shopping establishments. 

The Fekkai salon which was opened at Henri Bendel was considered one of the largest salons in the world and covered approximately 10,000 square feet.   It also offered every imaginable hair and beauty service for the clients who visited the salon.

I experienced another almost connection at a renowned hair and beauty show where Frederic was scheduled to appear, give a talk and meet with the media.  I was at the show and promised the opportunity to chat with the renowned celeb hairdresser but again timing was not on my side and due to unforeseen circumstances I was not able to meet the famous Frenchman.

Frederic Fekkai, born in Aix-en-Provence, has been working in the world of hair, beauty and fashion since he moved to Paris at the tender age of 21 to work at the famed Jacques Dessange salon.  Originally the Frenchman wanted to be a sculptor but instead decided to could sculpt hair.  At the age of 25 he moved to New York City to help open the Bruno Dessange Salon on Madison Avenue.

During his reign in New York City Frederic made a name for himself with his modernistic hair cuts and styles.  He quickly became popular with celebrities (Beyonce, Heidi Klum), models and wealthy clients.

In 1989 Frederic Fekkai opened his own salon at Bergdorf Goodman and it was an instant success attracting a very special hair clientele.  Eventually he moved his salon and opened at Henri Bendel.

In 2008 Frédéric Fekkai & Co was purchased by Proctor & Gamble which included the hair care products and salons. The P&G acquisition was in keeping with P&G's long term strategy for focusing on faster growing, higher margin, more asset-efficient businesses.

What's next for this long time celebrity hairdresser now that his business has been sold?  Only time will tell but I for one will be watching intently.