Before Bergdorf Blondes

There was The John Barrett Salon

In the '90s, while makeup artists and their brands were skyrocketing to fame, so too were celebrity hairstylists and their salons. In New York City, a visit to Bergdorf Goodman wasn’t complete without a trip to the very top—the penthouse of The John Barrett Salon, offering sweeping views of Central Park.

I was fortunate to handle PR for the salon during those heady days (pun intended!). At the time, I could never have afforded a cut with John or color with the legendary Parvin—let alone a manicure—but I was lucky enough to enjoy the perk of getting a comped service every once in a while.

This W Magazine story was a monumental moment. A two-page feature in W Magazine? Practically unheard of for a hair salon back then.

Enjoy this little time capsule from August 1997, featuring the gorgeous supermodel Shalom Harlow on the cover!

W Magazine cover, August 1997; Shalom Harlow and Robin Wright (Penn, still married to Sean), “the Man who Created Jenny McCarthy??, and Daryl K (the coolest downtown brand) and of course, the Spice Girls

Barrett's signature touch was the lavender hue on the walls—a striking change made to the space after renowned hair guru Frederic Fekkai vacated it to open a rival salon at Chanel's headquarters.

Some of the famous clientele makes me laugh: The Olsen twins! (Pre The Row and “salon regulars” at only 11 years old-yikes!) The cast of Friends! And don’t forget Frisco and Felicia! Gen X icon Molly Ringwald looked super chic with her cropped pixie cut.

P.S. If a visit to Bergdorf Goodman wasn’t complete without a visit to The John Barrett Salon in the ‘90’s, it also really, REALLY wasn’t complete without a visit to the famed BG Restaurant on the Seventh Floor for a ridiculously expensive Gotham Salad (worth the price of entry due to the amazing people watching that could be done whilst nibbling on a cube of poached chicken breast.) A little off-topic, but I couldn’t help but also post the recipe for this legendary salad, on a page ripped out from BG Magazine in 2015. Trust me, the salad amazing, but it’s all about the dressing. Bon Appetit!