Vivienne the Great

History's most powerful women usually conquered nations with a voracious appetite for power, but stories of Catherine the Great and Cleopatra say little of a great leader's innovation and creativity.  Their stories are exciting, but not inspirational.  For a tale of true genius we look to our own stylist-in residence, Vivienne Mackinder!  

Vivienne's talent nurtured a hairdressing empire--four times winning the North American Hairdres

sing Award, publishing several books and winning editor's choice three times.  By her mid-twenties she was already artistic director for Vidal Sassoon, later becoming artistic director for Trevor Sorbie (the only hairdresser to be knighted by the queen of england).  Her charm, kindness and beauty melt hearts wherever she goes.  Today she manages a brilliant educational program, Roots & Wings, of which our very own Matt Fugate is a product.  Her list of accomplishments goes on, especially since she's still a huge innovator in the world of hair.  

She was in yesterday and we are SO lucky to have her.  We love you Vivienne, and can't wait to see you next time!

Make it work, designers!

So normally we are not ones to brag about who enters our doors.  Seriously, if you're trying to avoid someone your secret 1:30 cut and style with Lisa is safe with us.  But we're going to do something uncharacteristic here and announce a visitor we were incredibly proud to host.

Last monday, September 14th, the Sam Brocato Salon emerged from its chrysalis with a new, if temporary, identity.  That night, we hosted Gordana "Goga" Gehlhausen's spring 2010 runway show!  

If that name doesn't ring a bell (we'll forgive you for being out of the loop, here) she is the fabulous Yugoslavian designer on the current season of Project Runway!  While her specialty is designer gowns, she sent a sweet and beautifully feminine collection down our provisional runway.  Getting the salon ready for a private party and RUNWAY show made us feel some of the same stress the designers feel on the show, except we didn't have Tim Gunn to cheer us on.  Still, the party turned out to be a complete success (if we may say so ourselves) and the wine and hors d'oeuvres just put the icing on the cake.  Many of her castmates came to support her and it was great to meet all of them.  

Don't worry, if you missed it we're already planning our Spring Project Runway event!