Vidal Sassoon The Movie - Kick-off Thread

Hi everyone,

After a relaxing Summer break, YLF Book Club is back for its second season. We're excited to start things up again with Vidal Sassoon The Movie. An insightful documentary about the legendary hair stylist who left an indelible mark on popular culture.

Before watching the documentary I of course knew who Vidal Sassoon was and what he stands for, but I didn't really know much about the person behind the legend, so I really enjoyed the interview scenes and background info. (e.g. I had no idea he did a lifestyle TV show with his second wife Beverly Adams.)

To me he came across as a modest, down-to-earth person, who grew up in difficult circumstances, decided to make the best of things, and with perseverance and creativity created a hugely successful business empire. I also loved his simple, stylish way of dressing - well-cut trousers and jackets, and often a stylish scarf - and even at age 81 he still had that cheeky glint in his eyes.

It was fantastic to witness how his two most iconic hairstyles, the wedge bob and the five point cut, came about. And boy, how I would loved to have been in Mia Farrow's place and have him style my pixie cut (I could have done without all the cameras though;-)

But over to you: What did you think of the documentary, and of Vidal Sassoon, the person, hair stylist, and business man extraordinaire?

12 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I saw this movie last night, Inge. I loved it!!

Sassoon's story and genius are one thing, but I was even more impressed at how this man looks at age 81 - and how he dresses!!! GOOD GRIEF. He leaves all the women on Advanced Style in the dust. Check him out below. And he is as fit and supple as it gets. He has become one of my style icons. What a role model, and from such dire and sad beginnings as a child.

And yes we can talk about his hair genius too

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Laura (rhubarbgirl)

Veteran

It's been a while since I saw this but I remember really enjoying it, and admiring Vidal. He's obviously been at the forefront of a lot of trends, but he's also very clear about his own personal aesthetic vision, which makes it very interesting to listen to him talk about his work.

I'm of the age that the 60s mod stuff was always just there in the background as something that had happened, and it was fascinating to hear the details about how and why it happened. I really got a kick out of the interview with Mary Quant and how she, also, is still a practicing artist, not just someone who has rested on her laurels and her name.

Once I saw this I really wanted a 5-point haircut for a few weeks. Hmm, maybe I should consider it.

lyn*

I watched the documentary on Netflix, and thought it was really interesting ...

I would consider a 5-point haircut from someone who knew what they were doing, if it was as universally flattering as Mr. Sassoon promises. His work ethic reminds me a lot of the attendings on medical service - and I admire his attention to detail!

MsMary

Hubby and I watched the movie this morning and we both loved it! Angie, I'm with you -- he's so elegant and, well, beautiful!! He has kept in such great shape and dresses so elegantly!

I was a child in the 1960s and remember all the mod clothes and hair from London in the "Time" and "Life" magazines that came in the mail every week. Part of the fun of the movie was seeing the photos from that era, with the beautiful models I remember so well!

And yes, what an inspiring story of somebody who rose from very humble beginnings to build an empire through hard work, creativity, and perseverance!

Inge

Moderator

Angie - I was beyond impressed too, what a super stylish man!! And I love how he was such a great example of keeping both body and mind in good shape. (he even made me consider taking up Pilates again, it sure would be good for my back pain:-)

Laura - Yes, Vidal had a very clear vision of what he wanted (stylewise and for his business). I think I would have found it a little scary to end up in his chair, surrender all control and allow him to just do what he thought best. But he *really* knew what he was doing, so I bet not many people were not happy with the end result.

Lyn - That's very interesting, I'd love for you to elab on the similarities.

MaryK - It was wonderful seeing that era come to live again, wasn't it.

One thing I'm wondering about: in the documentary all his models seem to have straight hair, does anyone know if the five point cut works just as well with wavy hair?

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