For over two decades, Frédéric Fekkai has impacted the international beauty landscape with his European elan and entrepreneurial vision. Innovative cuts, premium hair products and a rarefied salon concept define Fekkai as a pioneering businessman. But, it is the allure of his personal life-his homes and lifestyle are routinely chronicled in publications like Vogue, Elle Décor and Town and Country-which elevates his reputation to that of an aesthete and tastemaker of the highest order.

Born in Aix-en-Provence, France, Fekkai rapidly rose through the beauty ranks by training with a roster of notable Parisian hairdressers. Early on, Fekkai’s revolutionary approach to hair was clear. Instead of performing “signature cut”, Fekkai became a master of customization. His philosophy? Focus on the individual. After observing a client, Fekkai would design a style that maximized her attributes and enhanced the “total look.” By 1989, Fekkai’s modern cuts (and dashing demeanor) caught the attention of Bergdorf Goodman. He was invited to design a salon which echoed the sophistication of the celebrated department store. Inspired by the image and experience of other notable timeless luxury brands, Frédéric Fekkai Beauty Center became an instant mecca for social swans and celebrities. The buzz, the premium price point of a Frédéric Fekkai haircut and the extraordinary customer service set a new benchmark for hair care launching Fekkai as a major player in the beauty industry.

But, Fekkai’s vision extended beyond running a cosmopolitan salon. At a time when shampoos and conditioners were inexpensive drugstore commodities, Fekkai saw a niche. Women spared no expense on their complexions. Why not invest in their hair? With a nod to prestige skincare, Fekkai decided to extend the luxury hair experience from his salon into clients’ homes with scientifically advanced products designed to rejuvenate different hair types. From packaging and texture to fragrance, the products boast “luxury cues” which deliver a sensorial experience. The collection – sold only in upscale beauty retailers-debuted in 1995 delighting women who craved high performance product that addressed their individual concerns. Crafted of the finest ingredients, the collection shattered existing price barriers ushering in a new category in the beauty sector: prestige hair care. Today, the hair care line is divided into regimen “families” to suit individual needs: Advanced Care, EveryDay, Coiff, Ageless, More, Salon Color and Salon Glaze. The Fekkai product line remains a category headliner; the ultimate in luxury hair care distributed in over 40 countries worldwide.

By 1995, a roster of celebrity clientele, explosive press and an award winning product line transformed Frédéric Fekkai from red hot hairdresser to luxury lifestyle brand. By 2005, Fekkai expanded the product lineup and salon business that exuded his specific brand of effortless style. He redesigned his flagship and opened a 10,000 square foot salon on New York’s legendary Fifth Avenue. For twenty years, The Fekkai New York City Flagship has remained the highest grossing salon in the world.

Fekkai currently operates seven salons in key markets- three in New York City that include Soho, The Upper East Side and Fifth Avenue as well as Los Angeles, Dallas, Greenwich, and Palm Beach --and services approximately 1,500 clients per day. The atmosphere is state of the art contemporary with a French twist. Fresh flowers, Wi-Fi service, private changing rooms, invisible appointment bookers and in house caterers (culled from high profile eateries) make a visit to the House of Fekkai an unparalleled luxury experience.

In March, 2008, Fekkai’s reputation as trendsetter and pioneering businessman made headlines once again. P&G, the country’s largest consumer goods company, acquired Frédéric Fekkai Inc with the aligned vision of propelling the Fekkai brand to the next level. Fekkai now serves as consultant playing a strategic and designer role as he works closely with Procter & Gamble teams to innovate new products and celebrate the luxurious equity of the brand that bears his name. In addition, he is involved in a wide range of charitable initiatives, including efforts to support women, children and the arts. Frédéric Fekkai serves on the Board of Directors for Martha Stewart Living and in 2010 was made a Knight of France’s National Order of Merit.