Legendary UK hairdresser Trevor Sorbie passed away at the age of 75 on Friday, November 8, following a long battle with bowel cancer. As a pioneer, leader and innovator in the world of hairdressing, Trevor was a giant of creativity, business and philanthropy, and considered a mentor to generations of world-leading hairdressers today.
Trevor made an international name for himself as a creative hair artist and celebrity hairdresser, through which he cut and styled the hair for such historically high-profile celebrities as Paul McCartney and Helen Mirren. He was also a regular television and presence and prolific educator, rising early in his career with Vidal Sassoon, for which he became Artistic Director in 1973, and working extensively with brands such as TONI&GUY.
Over more than 50 years developing his hairdressing career, Trevor opened his own barbershop at the age of 20 and continued to open world-renowned salons through the next several decades. He also established his own line of haircare products and was an editorial expert, where his invention of iconic hair looks, including The Wedge, helped him find global fame.
“He was a master and gentleman in our industry, and he was a true visionary of helping and developing people and making them perceive another side of hairdressing, he had that wisdom, power and expertise,” shared Australian hair icon Benni Tognini, who studied under Trevor and emotionally described the impact he had on his personal life and career as a mentor. “He meant a lot to me. He helped me at an early stage of making me believe all the things I could do.”
“He was so open and so real, and all audiences just connected with him, even if they didn’t speak the language,” Benni shared. “He was an artist who could do that with his charisma and artistry and sense of humour, he was an incredible man. He was a true person who was put on this earth who wants to give.”
His many accolades included winning the pinnacle British Hairdresser of the Year title four times, and notably receiving an MBE from Queen Elizabeth II in 2004 for services to British hairdressing. Through all of these extensive achievements, Trevor was known for his grace, humility and kindness, and the charity he founded in 2006, titled My New Hair, which creates wigs for those suffering from cancer, is one of many testaments to that.
Perhaps his most important achievement was the mark he leaves for the next generations, forever changing and shaping the future of hair by mentoring many world-leading hairdressers who continue to drive the industry today.
“I would say without a doubt that Eugene Souleiman, Angelo Seminara, Vivienne Mackinder and Antoinette Beenders would not have the careers and status that they all have without being mentored and their talents developed by Trevor in his Floral St salon,” shared Australian hairdresser Russell Hyde, who worked with Trevor on his creative trips to Australia.
“The imagery that he and his team created to suggest future trends, textures, haircuts and colour placement resonated world-wide over the decades from the 1970s until now. We are all still working with those shapes and looks today. His total commitment to the perfection to our craft and his singular dedication to bringing out the best in his fellow stylists will forever be humbling. He is irreplaceable. The world is smaller without his heart and his talent.”
Vale a true legend and hero of hairdressing, Trevor Sorbie.
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