Setting the Record (and the Hair) Straight
Reposted because the record is not yet straight. Here is the true story.
From an article by “Your Invaluable Sleuth of Hair History” in the Style Section of the New York Times, January 24, 2013.
Those in the know have known that Vidal Sassoon was not the first to cut Mia Farrow’s hair to that famous pixie cut, and that she cut it herself, then – not mentioned in the New York Times – then, Christopher Brooker re-cut it – all before the famous $5,000 hair snip that helped make Vidal Sassoon famous. Read the article, a letter from Mia Farrow herself. Why didn’t she – or Vidal – speak out before?!
Also click on Comment box for more …
Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
I am most impressed, too, Christopher.
Fuller Facts/January 24, 2013. Quotes from Christopher Brooker on the subject of Mia Farrow’s Rosemary Baby hair.
“Firstly, as in Vidal’s life time, I never knowingly did anything to discredit his name and I will not do so now that he is dead.
“Whilst I understand and respect the press’s right to know the truth with a little diligence it is not difficult to find out about this matter. Vidal’s book “Sorry I Kept You Waiting, Madam” was ghost written about that time. Vidal’s words on Page Two were nearer the truth.
“For those who do not have that book, Vidal said: ” Roman, I said only a month ago Mia Farrow was in my salon here in London, having her hair cut.” The book has many inaccuracies. I cut Mia’s hair two weeks before the Hollywood press event. Also I didn’t cut her hair in the salon but at her apartment in Grosvenor Square. Frank Sinatra, her husband at the time, was there. The circumstances of me making good her butchered attempts to cut her own hair were later “borrowed.” Vidal’s words give an insight into human frailty. I believe we should concentrate on the many positives and forgive the occasional mistakes.”
Christopher your comments are as I know 100% correct. It is to your credit that had this story not surfaced you would never have brought out the truth. I know you well my friend and I am touched by both your loyalty and humanity.
The story is not complete. Christopher Brooker cut her hair in her Grosvenor Sq. apartment. The Rosemarys Baby promotion was set up by Polanski via a phone call from Malibu to the Bond St. offices. I took the call and passed it over to Vidal. There was a fee plus expenses. To the best of my knowledge the first time Vidal Sassoon saw or met Mia Farrow was in the studio Boxing Ring set. Christopher to his credit did not want to tell the true story behind this iconic cut. – Gerard Austen, Managing Director Vidal Sassoon London then Exec VP America.
I have heard similar, Gerard. Very interesting. So you actually took the call. Amazing this story was never told before.
Yes I did
It was a long time ago!!