Alexandre de Paris, the legendary hair stylist who counted Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren and Grace Kelly among his clients passed away at the age of 85 in his native Saint-Tropez late last week (Source). Credited with having invented the concept of "haute coiffure", Alexandre de Paris created hairstyles for fashion runway shows at Chanel, Givenchy, Balmain and Christian Dior during the Yves Saint Laurent era, among others. He also dreamed up hairstyles for stars such as opera diva Maria Callas and actress Romy Schneider. Alexandre de Paris was best known for creating elaborate chignons and famously interspersed diamonds in Jacqueline Kennedy’s hair for a state dinner at l'Elysee Palace. Other clients included the Duchess of Windsor, Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor. For Taylor, he created the memorable coif she sported in the film Cleopatra. His influence extended to the stage as well with hairstyles created for l'Opéra de Paris and la Comédie Française.
In 1952, Alexandre de Paris joined forces with the Carita sisters to open the Carita salon on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore. He eventually opened his own salon called Alexandre a few doors down and in 1982, Alexandre de Paris opened a salon under that name on Avenue Matignon where it still exists today. His life's work and contribution to fashion were recognized when he was awarded an honorary Dé d'or, an award usually reserved for fashion designers and was made a Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur et des Arts et Lettres. No cause of death was stated.
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