Celebrity hairstylist John Frieda, the ex-husband of Glasgow-born singer Lulu, has died aged 75. His family announced the news on the official Instagram account of his self-named salon on Wednesday morning, describing him as a "true icon".
Frieda opened his own salon at the age of 25, the same year he married his first wife, Lulu, who celebrated her 78th birthday yesterday. The couple had one son together, Jordan Frieda, now an actor and restaurateur, born in 1977. The pair separated in 1991 after 15 years together but maintained a friendship.
Career and Family
Frieda went on to marry Frances Avery Agnelli in 2019, after first meeting in 2002. Despite his second marriage, he remained close with Lulu and was seen celebrating the salon's 50th anniversary with her earlier this year.
Born Alan Howard Frieda in London in 1951, his father was a hairdresser who owned a salon in Ealing, while his grandfather was a Fleet Street barber. After working for his father, Frieda joined the London hair salon House of Leonard and became the assistant of Leonard Lewis, credited with creating the haircut that launched the career of model Twiggy.
Iconic Clients and Products
Frieda worked with clients including Diana, Princess of Wales, Madonna, Nicole Kidman and Scarlett Johansson throughout his career. He also worked for British Vogue and Harper's Bazaar, as well as with Lewis's clients including Twiggy, Jackie Onassis and Sir Mick Jagger.
In 1976, Frieda invented the "Purdey" hairstyle, creating the bowl cut for Dame Joanna Lumley after she asked him for a schoolboy's haircut for her role in The New Avengers. That year he also sold his haircare product company to Japanese conglomerate Kao for 450 million dollars (£260 million). He held on to his five salons before his death - two in London, two in New York and one in Los Angeles.
Tributes and Legacy
The family statement said: "It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that our dear John passed away peacefully...surrounded by his family. John was more than a mentor to us; he was a true icon of the hair industry. He was the person who taught us everything, believed in us, and made us better. His talent and passion touched so many, and his legacy will live on in every single one of us. We will continue to do him proud. Our thoughts are with John's family and everyone who loved him. You will be forever in our hearts."
Jo Wood, model, TV personality and ex-wife of Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, said: "Oh No... that's so sad. When I was 16 and John worked as an assistant at Lenards he would do my hair. He was so great... we would go to the pub after... but I couldn't drink. RIP John it was lovely to know you."
Frieda's stepdaughter, Asia Agnelli Lagrange, also confirmed his death on social media. Sharing a series of photos of them together over the years, she wrote: "Today we lost the best man to ever exist. I share this because I know he touched the lives of so many." Beauty entrepreneur and TV presenter Trinny Woodall commented: "Sending so much love to you all."
Cetera Lamb, creative director at Frieda's London salon, added: "The industry has lost a true legend, a real maverick in hairdressing. For 50 years, he led our wonderful salon, leaving behind an incredible legacy of passion, creativity, vision and outstanding hairdressing. We will continue in his honour, celebrating his achievements and keeping his memory, values, vision and love for great hairdressing alive. His legacy will live on through us, and we will make sure of that."
Frieda is survived by his wife, four children and two grandchildren.
