John Frieda, the British celebrity hairstylist and beauty entrepreneur who shaped the look of Hollywood and high fashion for decades, has died aged 75. His salon announced his passing on Tuesday, stating that he died peacefully surrounded by family. The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
According to BBC News, Frieda became a fixture among A-list celebrities throughout the 1960s and 1970s, building a client roster that included Twiggy, Jackie Onassis and Mick Jagger. Born Alan Howard Frieda on July 9, 1951, in Kenton, Middlesex, he adopted the name John because another stylist at his first salon was already named Alan.
His salon released a statement honouring his legacy:
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that our dear John passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. John was more than a mentor to us; he was a true icon of the hair industry. He was the person who taught us everything, believed in us, and made us better. Rest in peace, John. You will be forever in our hearts.
What made the Purdey cut iconic?
Frieda is perhaps best remembered for creating the Purdey bowl cut for actor Joanna Lumley in 1976, a style that became instantly recognisable and defined a generation of fashion. The cut, named after Lumley's character in the spy comedy series The New Avengers, became one of the most requested hairstyles of the decade and cemented Frieda's reputation as a visionary stylist.
How did his salon empire develop?
In 1976, Frieda opened his flagship salon in central London, which rapidly became one of the most sought-after destinations for high-profile clients. The salon's reputation grew so quickly that it was booked months in advance. He expanded internationally, opening branches in Barbados, Ibiza and Los Angeles, while his London base attracted celebrities including Sex and the City star Sarah Jessica Parker.
Salon creative director Cetera Lamb paid tribute to Frieda's influence, calling him a real maverick in hairdressing who had led the Mayfair salon for 50 years.
What was his role in the haircare industry?
During the 1990s, Frieda transitioned from cutting hair to developing his own line of haircare products. Working with business partner Gail Federici, he created Frizz-Ease hair serum in 1988, which launched in the United States in 1990. The product line expanded to include the Sheer Blonde collection in 1998, establishing Frieda as a major force in the global beauty market.
His business success culminated in 2002 when Frieda and Federici sold their company to Japanese conglomerate Kao for $450 million (£334 million). Despite the sale, Frieda retained ownership of five salons: two in London, two in New York and one in Los Angeles, allowing him to maintain his presence in the styling world.
What was his personal life like?
Frieda was married to Scottish singer Lulu from 1977 to 1990 and had one son from that relationship. The couple were prominent fixtures in the entertainment world during the late 1970s and 1980s.
He later married Avery Agnelli, the widow of Fiat heir Giovanni Agnelli. Together they had two children and a stepdaughter, building a family that spanned continents and cultures.
How did his early career shape his success?
Frieda's path to prominence began through his work with hairstylist Lewis Leonard, which led to assignments for British Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. These early editorial roles introduced him to the world of high fashion and connected him with the celebrity clients who would define his career. His ability to understand both the technical aspects of hairdressing and the aesthetic demands of fashion photography set him apart from his contemporaries.
Key Facts
- Frieda created the iconic Purdey bowl cut for Joanna Lumley in 1976, one of the most recognisable hairstyles of the decade
- His haircare brand, developed with Gail Federici, was sold to Kao for $450 million in 2002, making it one of the most successful beauty acquisitions of its time
- He maintained five salons worldwide after the company sale, preserving his direct involvement in hairstyling across London, New York and Los Angeles
- His client list included some of the world's most famous faces, from Twiggy and Jackie Onassis to Sarah Jessica Parker and Mick Jagger
