New York, New York

Some say it's the city that never sleeps, I say it's the city that never skips a beat.  It was time for our yearly quest to find what's hot and what's not at the Waldorf Astoria Grand Ballroom  (only the most famous place in all of NYC) where Intercoiffure (the leading organization of top salon owners) meets once a year to exchange thoughts on our beloved industry.  All the while in the financial district they are protesting at Wall Street for the rights of workers and downtown they are praying at the 9/11 Memorial for those who lost their lives for our freedom...New York truly does not skip a beat.  It's like old home week for me as I have traveled for this occasion since I was a little girl - building lifelong relationships with other salon owners around the world.  Some years you don't see people and you truly wonder what happened to them - are they sick?  Are they broke? or maybe they are just stuck in traffic :).  It's hard to stay successful when you're reminded everyday of all the voids in our economy but we plug forward to see if this year will prove to be the best show ever or hopefully learn something new that can help to leave our hometown competition in the dust.  So here you go, did NYC hold true to it's reputation?.......

Well kinda,  but it truly can get annoying if you want to know the truth.  Expensive, compulsive, and sometimes uncaring, this city can suck you in one moment with its ability to be new and fresh, wacky and weird, and then in a moment - piss you off because New Yorkers could care less about you.  But somehow it keeps you wanting more - you certainly would not want to be the last to know what the latest trend  may be or what's the hot new thing. 

So, then there's the Waldorf - let me tell you that that place makes you feel like you are important.  Eight or so years ago, during the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations (1995) I rode in the elevator with "The Football" - do you know what that is?  I didn't, my husband had to tell me - it's the" red batman" phone in a box. It's the President's connection to the military "One call, that's all" and we can nuke them!  Now that was impressive and it was handcuffed to the Secret Agents arm no less!

This year proved to be a 7 on a scale of 10.  Hair seems to not be changing too much - extensions are still hot, boots and fur are the latest craze, and those silly buns on the top of women's heads adorned the local beauties.  Get ready, cause a year from now you too might find yourself with this "Buddha" phase. 



Liv Tyler


Anywho,  we saw celebrity greats like Ted Gibson (from TLC's What Not to Wear) do a show - he proved why networks and celebs love him with his savior faire and pink trademark tie!  Likable as the day is long, humble cause his mama taught him how, and a great spokesperson for hairdressing.  You're not going to believe his latest campaign....he is trying to get hairdressers to band together and get an "Oscar" for hair - I mean after all they have one for makeup! and truly, have you ever seen a movie or magazine or music video with bad hair? No way!  Celebrities would not be caught dead on the red carpet without 3 prior hours with their favorite Glam Squad - trust me, I know first hand - they are VAIN AS EVER!

And then the masterful Oribe was in the house to wow us.  And wow he did - beautiful wigs of movie star vixens of the past - he took us on a journey from Marilyn to Elizabeth.  Nothing like the feeling you got in that grand ballroom that night just knowing they had both once been there! And only to top off his extravaganza - Sara Jessica Parker showed up to present him a Visionary Award (not an Oscar but I guess as close as you can get when you are among 1,000 peers).  I'm assuming he probably has her on his speed dial like most of his famed celebrity dames he has had the chance to dress their tresses!  You know what.. Hairdressers are amazing - now that I think about it!

So NYC did not disappoint - leaves you with a rekindled spirit and a leg up on those who don't take the time to re-educate themselves on the latest - It's fun to go and it's fun to leave - I'm always happy to reconnect with my Intercoiffure family and then say my goodbyes until the next show.  And even though NYC can make you tired, you are always glad you braved it's sometimes unwelcoming demeanor, even  if it's just for one night in the Waldorf Astoria Grand Ballroom knowing that only a hairdresser gets a celebrity to show up for free in this town!

Maybe we do deserve an Oscar after all! NYC is a cause a minute - if you  to want to be heard... I say move to New York, you'll always find some one to believe in your cause there.  And if you  DO decide to wear that little bun-y thing on top of your head - act like you don't know me cause that could be a hairdresser's worst nightmare!  Sure can't make a living doing that! Until we meet again New York... Keep it real.