NCA Honors Robert Lobetta and Paul Mitchell at 2nd International Legends Ball

The International Legends Ball will include cocktails, dinner and dancing from 8 p.m. until midnight. Cocktail attire is preferred for this gala event. Individual tickets are $175 or a table of 10 can be purchased for $1,750. Each ticket also includes admission to CMBStyle, a Hair & Fashion Celebration raising money for the NCA Disaster Relief Fund/Katrina on Sunday, March 4.

The International Legends Ball honors individuals for creative ideas, progressive thinking and overall contributions to the highest standards of the professional salon industry. The 2007 honorees are Robert Lobetta, Creative Director of Sebastian Professional and the late Paul Mitchell, Co-Founder of John Paul Mitchell Systems. “The NCA continues our tradition of recognizing the icons of the industry,” says NCA President Marlene Bridge. “This year we are proud to celebrate two hairdressers whose creativity and passion has changed the way we approach hair and inspired millions.”

Honoree: Robert Lobetta, Creative Director of Sebastian Professional
After 35 years, the beauty industry has given Robert Lobetta a life filled with successes and failures, opportunities and adventures. It all began in 1973 when Lobetta apprenticed with Ricci Burns in London and avant-garde hair designs became his signature. His influence in London continued when he became creative director for the famous Michaeljohn salon, and went global in 1985 when he began working with Geri Cusenza of Sebastian International. Lobetta found his true artistic calling—photography—and has created the exotic, explorative looks that have branded the company over the years. Instantly recognizable, often provocative and sometimes bordering on the obscene, Lobetta’s photography has helped to propel the company to worldwide recognition.

Honoree: Paul Mitchell, Co-Founder John Paul Mitchell Systems
In his 35 years as a hairdresser, Paul Mitchell achieved worldwide renown as a controversial and respected artist, shaping powerful international hair trends through education and innovation. He introduced cut-and-blow-dried hair; hair-setting without pins or rollers, and soft, layered cuts. Born in Scotland, Mitchell came to New York City in 1965 and introduced blow-drying to America. After owning two successful Manhattan salons and taking his education shows on the road, Mitchell moved to Honolulu in 1974 and dreamed developing a product line sold only by professionals. In 1980, with a $700 investment, he teamed up with John Paul DeJoria and founded John Paul Mitchell Systems (JPMS). With the growth of his company, Mitchell achieved, in his own words, “success beyond my wildest dreams.” Paul Mitchell died of pancreatic cancer in 1989. His legacy flourishes today through his son Angus Mitchell, co-owner of JPMS, a global leader in hair education and the world’s largest privately held professional haircare line.

Co-chairs for the 2nd International Legends Ball will be Winn Claybaugh, co-founder of Paul Mitchell-The School, and Lydia Sarfati, President and Founder of Sarkli-Repêchage.

Members of the NCA President’s Advisory Council will serve as The International Legends Ball Committee and include:

• Jan Arnold, Creative Nail Design
• Brook Carlson, Matrix
• Dee Deluca-Mattos, Avancé
• Beth Hickey, EOH Beauty Brands
• Sara Jones, Joico
• Lori Justice, OPI Products
• Nina Kovner, John Paul Mitchell Systems
• Judie Maginn, Innersense Organic Beauty
• Cheryl Markham, PureOlogy
• Jeanne Matson, Clairol Professional
• Ann Mincey, Redken 5th Avenue
• Lydia Sarfati, Repêchage
• Susan Walker, Sally Beauty Company

To order tickets call 800-883-7808 or visit www.chicagomidwestbeautyshow.com.

The National Cosmetology Association (NCA) is the largest organization of salon professionals in the world. Its mission, since its inception in 1921, has been and continues to be to ensure that working salon professionals have the tools and resources available to create career success with integrity. For more information on NCA, visit www.ncacares.org.