Intercoiffure History

From humble beginnings to world leadership? The rise of Intercoiffure started in the 50´s and reads like a “Who's who” of fashion and design.

Those were the days when ladies wore waistless, above-the-knee-skirts, proud of their first bubi hairstyles; when Charlie Chaplin was shooting his most famous film “Gold Rush” and the whole world was dancing charleston. The 20's were a mad time, full of the joys of life. “Venture to new shores” according to the motto. The world's hairdressers were no exception. On 14^th April 1925, Swiss, German and English hairdressers in Hamburg were ready to bring the “Internationale Gesellschaft der Damen-Coiffeure (I.G.D.C.)” to life. Its aim was to give momentum to international hair fashion impulse. However, the organisation also had ideals, tolerance, humanity and friendship among the members and a cosmopolitan mentality.

Its flowering into a world wide organisation with a decisive influence began in the 1950's. That is when the rebuilding of the IGDC really began. The biggest hairdressers Guillaume, Albert Pourriére and John Pfeil were contacted again. Intercoiffure received an immeasurable impulse from these international relationships. In November 1955, the brilliant and generous Guillaume was invited to a memorable dinner in Paris and was named World President of the international association of masters of women's hairdressing. The linguistic genius John Pfeil took the position of General Secretary that he exercised with tact, diplomatic touch and fairness before he replaced Guillaume and became the 2^nd World President of Intercoiffure. Albert Pourriére, was named advisor to the Central Committee due to his organisational talent and his dynamic vision.

In 1972 came another memorable highlight: the initiation of the Intercoiffure order of knights. With the legion of honour as an example, those distinguished personalities who had rendered outstanding services within the association received an award. The World President is head of the order.

Intercoiffure's heyday was accompanied by great names: Alexandre de Paris (3^rd World President), Roger Para and Antome, Jacques Dessange, Patrick Ale's, Maria and Rosy Carita, Maurice Franck, Marcel Calinaud and Ralph Most (the founding President of the Guillaume Foundation). Also the worlds beauties who went to Figaros famous salons were just as famous, Marlene Dietrich, Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren and Maria Callas to name just a few.

The international association found a home in Paris 8^th arrondissement in the Rue Jean Goujon. It was from then on, as the “House of Nations” (with an integrated museum), a popular and sociable place to meet. The grand opening took place on l6^th June 1982 through the Intercoiffure patron Princess Grace of Monaco, whose daughter Princess Caroline succeeded her as patron.

Intercoiffure has been in existence for 75 years now. Throughout that time the international organisation has succeeded in taking its ideals of this all over the world. Under the direction of the 4^th World President Maurice Franck (1993 - 2000), Intercoiffure began the 1^st network of world wide fashion with an annual performance in Paris. Today over 2000 leading salons world wide belong to Intercoiffure. It sets trends and continues to create new, outstanding creations time and time again and has forged a reputation for excellence.

www.robertopaggi.it