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Oribe Canales, Co-Founder

One of the most sought-after celebrity hairstylists in the world, Oribe Canales was famous for creating the sexy, big, beautiful hair that became synonymous with the rise of the‘90s supermodel. Oribe’s work graced the runways of nearly every well-known designer and the covers of major fashion magazines worldwide, as well as countless international ad campaigns and commercials.

About – Oribe Hair Care

Born in Cuba in 1956, Oribe immigrated to the United States as a child.

Born in Cuba in 1956, Oribe immigrated to the United States as a child. At 18, he attended beauty school in Buffalo, NY, where he met the soon-to-be-legendary hairstylist Garren, who encouraged him to pursue his passion for hairdressing. In the late 1980s and early ‘90s, Oribe began a partnership with photographer Steven Meisel and makeup artist François Nars that would re-define beauty in that era. Oribe formed a career-defining relationship with Gianni Versace in the early ’90s, which led to countless creative collaborations, including iconic print ads and commercials as well as groundbreaking runway shows. During that time, he was also known for his palatial Fifth Avenue salon at Elizabeth Arden in New York City.

It wasn’t until the late ‘90s that Oribe became a household name thanks to his alliance with aspiring musician Jennifer Lopez, who reached out to him having spent her teens admiring his work in Vogue. Beginning with the cover of her first album, On the 6, they collaborated for nearly two decades.

In 2008, Oribe began working with Oribe Hair Care president and co-founder Daniel Kaner to translate his love of hairdressing and individual beauty into the collection of products he’d always envisioned: A range grounded in traditional hairstyling and blended with leading technology and the finest ingredients. The result was an edited line focused on the needs of the hair-obsessed.

“I’ve been a hairdresser for most of my life. Hairdressing is what I do, it’s what I love.”

Oribe Canales

1977 —

Oribe Canales begins beauty school in Buffalo, NY.

1978 —

Hired by Garren for his celebrity-filled salon at the Plaza Hotel.

1980s —

Oribe begins his editorial career, styling hair for the cover of the most prominent fashion magazines.

1981 —

Returns to the Garren salon.

1985 —

Begins work with prominent Italian fashion magazines.

1985 —

Creates the Oribe Agency, which represented such hairstylists and makeup artists as François Nars, Laura Mercier, Danilo, Serge Normant, Bobbi Brown, Jimmy Paul and others.

“Oribe Canales was one of the first stylists to create a hairstyle that would make you say, ‘Oh, THAT’S Oribe hair!,’ whether it was on the covers of magazines, the red carpet or in beauty campaigns.”

Scotty Cunha, Celebrity Hairstylist

1987 —

Oribe opens his first salon,

located in the Parachute store on Columbus Avenue — then one of the hottest stores in New York — followed by a second salon in the store’s SoHo location. Clients included everyone from Christy Turlington to Steven Meisel, with whom he soon began collaborating on shoots, such as a Comme des Garçons campaign featuring Turlington.

Begins working with Meisel and Nars, a team that dominates the runways, campaigns and international magazines and leads to the creation of the Big Six Supermodels.

“If hairdressers were rock stars, Oribe would have been the biggest rock star of them all! I started working with Oribe in the late 80s and early 90s, at the beginning of both of our careers. We worked together several times a week on shoots from Vogue to Versace.”

Cindy Crawford, model & entrepreneur

1990s —

Oribe is connected to Gianni Versace.

As Versace’s career explodes, the two become inseparable, working closely on shoots, ad campaigns and runway shows. The designer brings Oribe everywhere with him, making him one of the first American hairdressers to work so prolifically in Europe.

1992 —

Created hair looks for the reopening of the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The busts, based on Christy Turlington, featured hair crafted from raffia and papier mâché.

1992 —

Styles Marc Jacobs’ grunge collection for Perry Ellis, changing the look of fashion.

1993 —

Judy Erickson begins working with Oribe as his assistant and remains with him until 2018.

“If I’m still doing hair in 10 years, I still want to be learning. I never want to get to the point where I know it all, because then it will be boring.”

Oribe Canales

1995 —

Launches his first product line,

Launches his first product line, which includes a tin of pomade in retro-chic packaging bearing his image as a 1950s-style muscle man. His friend Karl Lagerfeld suggested that he design the bottles to look like dishwashing detergent. Opens Miami salon on Euclid Road in Miami Beach.

1996 —

Begins to work with Jennifer Lopez, beginning with the cover for her first album, On the 6.

1997-2000 —

Styles 36 consecutive covers with photographer Gilles Bensimon for Elle US.

“Oribe was bold in his authentic approach that was purely coming from his gut, and he was instrumental in formulating and forging the path forward for others to follow. Oribe and Omar Ismail had the vision and understanding that hair and makeup artists needed to be elevated and represented properly for their contribution and artistry to the business. They created an agency that launched many of the careers of the most sought-after hair and makeup artists of that time.”

Judy Erickson, Oribe Canales’ Longtime Assistant

“Oribe created a fantasy world for his clients and styled some of the most recognizable and dramatic hairstyles in fashion history. He was also incredibly handsome and loved by many.”

Iggy Rosales, Celebrity Hairstylist

2008 —
Oribe partners with haircare visionary Daniel Kaner to create a line that would live up to his high-performance standards. They crafted every detail from scratch, from the formulations to the fragrance to the design.

2011 —

Receives the Visionnaire award at Intercoiffure from his client, Sarah Jessica Parker.

2018 —

Styles his last fashion show for Jeremy Scott’s circus-themed resort collection for Moschino, crafting teased looks that make the most of Dry Texturizing Spray, which was celebrating its 10th anniversary that year.

2018 —

Oribe Canales passes away in Miami.