NCA Honors Robert Lobetta and Paul Mitchell

Each year, the International Legends Ball honors individuals for creative ideas, progressive thinking and overall contributions to the highest standards of the professional salon industry. “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 have changed the way we approach hair and have inspired millions.”

Bruno Mascolo, founder of Toni&Guy and TIGI, and Michael Polsinelli, Sebastian Artistic Team Member, presented the NCA International Legends Award to 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.

NCA President Marlene Bridge and Esthetics America Chair Lydia Sarfati presented the NCA International Legends Award to Angus Mitchell, Co-Owner of John Paul Mitchell Systems, who accepted on behalf of his father, 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 Jones 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.

In addition, the NCA awarded Mary Rector-Gable, Founder and President of behindthechair.com, with a special NCA Pillar of Leadership Award for Community Service. Mary was instrumental in bringing the professional beauty industry together after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and her efforts jump-started the NCA Disaster Relief Fund/Katrina. She has stayed active in her efforts to help salon professionals on the Gulf Coast and her efforts helped the NCA Disaster Relief Fund/Katrina exceed $1 million in donations.

Guests at the International Legends Ball enjoyed cocktails, dinner and dancing from 8 pm until midnight. Tickets to the Ball also included a ticket to Future Vision 2007 presented by Wella, Sebastian and the Chicago Midwest Beauty Show.

Co-chairs for the 2nd International Legends Ball were Lydia Sarfati, President and Founder of Sarkli-Repêchage and Winn Claybaugh, co-founder of Paul Mitchell The School. Platinum sponsors for the International Legends Ball were John Paul Mitchell Systems and P&G Professional Care. Additional sponsors included Beauty Systems Group, Conair Pro, Dermalogica, Questex Media Group, Redken, Repêchage and Sally Beauty Supply.

Members of the NCA President’s Advisory Council served as The International Legends Ball Committee and included:

• 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

NCA’s 3rd Annual International Legends Ball will be held Saturday, March 1, 2008, in conjunction with HairWorld 2008 and the Chicago Midwest Beauty Show.

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.