Robert Edele began his hairdressing career in the early 1950’s in London, England. Aspiring to be the best, Robert worked closely on hair in the world of competition hairdressing & haircutting.

As a kid in the craft, he always wanted to know how things were done and how he could teach others this amazing craft that he was learning. His lifelong friend Vidal Sassoon was gaining ground in his salon at 108 Bond Street, in London. Vidal asked Robert to work with him and help him develop the education for his new cutting methods and help teach his staff these exciting techniques.

Soon, Robert became one of the most valuable people at Vidal’s salon, working as a stylist and also as a teacher.

In 1954 Vidal decided to sell his salon and move down the road to larger premises. Robert decided to go out on his own and open his own salon, so Vidal sold the 108 Bond Street salon to Robert.

After a short period of time suddenly Vidal’s new salon had a major flood and he was forced to evacuate. Robert offered Vidal his salon to bring his clients to while the salon was being repaired.

Once Vidal’s salon was up and running again, he said to Robert, “come back and work with me, I never wanted you to leave anyway, you were my best teacher”.

Robert, excited over the potential of this opportunity, closed down his salon and went back to work with Vidal in the new salon at 171 New Bond Street, London.

Robert’s talents flourished and he was soon promoted to senior director. He then inspired Vidal to open a school in Knightsbridge, London, where other hairdressers could come and learn these new cuts and styles that were changing the world of haircutting.

In the late1960’s Robert was asked by Vidal to go to the USA to help open up schools and academies throughout the world.

In the late 1970’s Robert was appointed as Exec. Vice-President of the Vidal Sassoon salons and academies, USA, and went on to become President until he decided to retire after almost 50 years with the company.

Robert was responsible for the training of many of the top stylists in the world today and is regarded as an icon within our craft.

Robert & Vidal still stay in close touch with each other and often reminisce on those great days and how it all began.

Today, Robert lives in Southern California with his wife Jan and son Sacha. He continues to keep up with the craft and all those within it.

For more information, please contact: RobertEdele@RoadRunner.com