Louis Alexandre Raimon French hairdresser Date of Birth: 06.09.1922 Country: France

Biography of Louis Alexandre Raimon

Louis Alexandre Raimon, better known as Alexandre de Paris, was born in 1922 in Saint-Tropez, France. He began learning the art of hairstyling at the age of 16, undergoing an apprenticeship at a prestigious salon in Cannes. His mentor was the renowned master Antoine de Paris, and soon Louis Alexandre became recognized as the best stylist at the salon. It was also during this time that he met his wife, Andrée Banaudi, with whom he remained for his entire life.

By the mid-1940s, the name de Paris was already well-known in fashion circles, as he gained fame for creating a hairstyle for Yvette Labrousse, a legendary beauty queen and former Miss France, who later married Aga Khan III. Alexandre's creation, a chignon, caused a sensation among French fashionistas and instantly catapulted him to fame.

Throughout his career, Alexandre de Paris went on to create numerous hairstyles for fashion shows by Chanel, Yves Saint-Laurent, Dior, Givenchy, Gaultier, and other renowned brands. In 1952, he opened his first salon in Paris in collaboration with the Carita sisters. Five years later, in 1957, he opened his own personal salon on Rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré, which became a tremendous success. Soon, distinguished personalities such as the Duchess of Windsor and Princess Grace of Monaco sought the services of his new salon.

Alexandre de Paris became synonymous with elegance and style in the world of hairstyling. His clientele included Maria Callas, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Romy Schneider, Greta Garbo, Sophia Loren, Liza Minnelli, and many other iconic women of the time. His salon's reputation grew, and his hairstyles increasingly graced screens, theaters, and opera stages. It was Alexandre de Paris who styled Elizabeth Taylor's hair in the famous film "Cleopatra." He also became close friends with Elizabeth Taylor and was responsible for styling her hair for her wedding to Richard Burton.

Among his clients were members of royal families, such as King Hassan II and the Queen of Jordan. From 1978 to 1993, Alexandre de Paris served as the president of the International Hairdressing Federation, Intercoiffure Mondiale. He was twice awarded the prestigious "Oscar de la Mode" by the French fashion industry, in 1963 and 1969. In 1992, he was honored as a Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur.

Known as the "d'Artagnan of hairstyling," the "Sphinx of hairstyling," and "Figaro," Alexandre de Paris made an invaluable contribution to the hairstyling profession. He brought a sense of true French style, elegance, and taste to the industry. After 70 years in the profession, Alexandre led a quiet life in Saint-Tropez. He passed away on January 12, 2008, at the age of 85.

The legacy of Alexandre de Paris in the world of hairstyling is truly priceless. He introduced a sense of true French style, elegance, and taste, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.