1 The Presidential Wave 1980
Photo: Gregory Kitchen
THE PRESIDENTIAL WAVE
For ElectionYear 1980, Vidal Sassoon elected The Presidential Wave by Barbara Mesler of the
Vidal Sassoon Barber Shop, NY.
The VS Poll interviewed its prestige Barber Shops in New York, Beverly Hills, San Francisco,
Chicago and Toronto and predicted victory in November for its Fall 1980 Men’s Campaign.
The Presidential Wave was an interesting movement, with new proportions and mood,
democratically romantic as well as classically conservative.
The rumor, widely circulated, was that the Presidential Wave , a new asymmetric symmetric
hairstyle for men sweeping the United States of America, was inspired by Vidal Sassoon’s
Soft Cubism styles, notably the Modern Marlene, which enjoyed such success during the Summer 1980 campaign.
The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) Committees may be asked to comment on this reversal of issues!
See next photo for more…
Hair: Barbara Melser, Vidal Sassoon Barber Shop, NY, 1980
Model: Burt Kyle
Jacket and Shirt: Thierry Mugler
Photo: Gregory Kitchen
Concept/Produced by Helen Oppenheim
Anecdote:
We had hoped Edward Kennedy, much younger then, would get the nomination when we
did this photo shoot, but he didn’t. The campaign, photographed in my office, on a Sunday,
was a quickie and, of course, I had fun writing tongue-in-cheek!
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © HELEN OPPENHEIM 2012
Comment2 The Presidential Wave 1980
Photo: Gregory Kitchen
THE PRESENTIAL WAVE 1980
The wavy movements and volume only to one side in this complicated cut by
Barbara Mesler of Vidal Sassoon’s New York Barber Shop looked best, she said,
when worn very natural, not too perfect.
A spot wave perm by Edward Moore was recommended at the time and Vidal Sassoon’s
Treatment Products won top votes for making the hair shinier and healthier.
The press release ended with:
“If you are politcal or apoltical, The Presidential Wave is nominated a winner.”
Hair: Barbara Melser, Vidal Sassoon Barber Shop, NY, 1980
Model: Burt Kyle
Jacket and Shirt: Thierry Mugler
Photo: Gregory Kitchen
Concept/Produced by Helen Oppenheim
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © HELEN OPPENHEIM 2012
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