Tony Beckerman with his friend and mentor Vidal Sassoon (Pictured above) in 2005

Vidal has been my mentor since I was a kid of 15 years old.

I had the pleasure of working in his New Bond Street Salon (in London) from 1960 until 1971, then I moved to the USA to help begin the "Sassoon" revolution, which became the bible of haircutting for the professional hair industry.

I left the Sassoon organization in 1975, but I still keep in touch with Vidal and as many of the original "Sassooners" as possible.

My philosophy and standards were established by Vidal and the team and I am proud to continue the same in my business and life.

I also owe a great debt of gratitude and thanks to another of my Sassoon mentors and still my very close friend Robert Edele (Pictured to the right), who believed in me and gave me the opportunity to come to America and help him open up the first advanced academy in San Francisco for Sassoon.

Many of the industry "icons" passed through that school (on Ellis Street) as we began to teach a system of haircutting and styling that would change the USA (and the world) forever.

Our teachers in the San Francisco school were very special...Alan Benfield-Bush; Max Papier; Ruthie Standaart; Marge Steiner (the Nun); Kenny Burke (great haircutter); and many more. We were all under the direction of Robert Edele, who was President of the salons and academies and he was with Sassoons for over 30 years.

Alan lives in Sonoma County and owns a winery. Max lives in Sacramento, California and is still active in the hair business. Ruthie got married and I have lost contact with her. Margie Steiner passed away in 2003 (G-d bless her soul). Kenny works in a top salon in the San Francisco area and also does occasional seminars for Redken.

Vidal lives in Beverly Hills with his wife Ronnie and they also commute to their home in London, England.

Robert Edele lives in Ventura County, California with his wife Jan and their son Sacha. Robert is semi-retired but still works out at the gym every day.

I'm happy to say that we continue to stay in touch and reminisce over old times.

I'd love to hear from you too......?

Tony