Antoine

(1884-1977). Hair stylist. Born in Poland, Antek Cierplikowski began his career as a hair stylist while still in his teens at a prominent Warsaw salon. He emigrated to France and landed his first important apprenticeship at Calloux, one of the most famous Parisian hairdressers of the day. Two of the celebrated French actresses, Sarah Bernhardt and Gabrielle Réjane, soon became faithful clients, and in 1909 Antoine was able to open his own salon on Rue Cambon. Antoine was the world’s first celebrity hairdresser, shuttling between America and Europe to cater to a roster of stars that included Greta Garbo, Claudette Colbert (he styled her trademark bangs), Danielle Darrieux and Arletty. He was the first to introduce drastically boyish haircuts for women and experimental hair dyes, such as the light blue shade he tinted Lady Elsie Mendl’s grey hair, and radically blonde streaks.