5 Things to Know About the Iconic Oribe Canales

HERITAGE

5 Things to Know About the Iconic Oribe Canales

How much do you know about our visionary co-founder?

Oribe Hair Care is synonymous with luxury and performance thanks to the contributions of its co-founder, the late Oribe Canales — one of the world’s most sought-after celebrity hairstylists. You’ve seen his work in era-defining cover shoots and advertisements, not to mention music videos and runway looks featuring the original supermodels. And you’ve most likely experienced the genius that is one of his first creations, Dry Texturizing Spray, based on his backstage brilliance. But how familiar are you with the depth and reach of his work and influence? Keep reading to learn 5 little-known facts about the one and only Oribe.

#1

Oribe Canales was born in Havana, Cuba.

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.

#2

He rose up with all of today’s style icons.

In the late 1980s and early ‘90s, Oribe began a partnership with photographer Steven Meisel and makeup artist François Nars that would define beauty in that era. Oribe collaborated with designers from Gianni Versace to Marc Jacobs, styling his iconic grunge collection for Perry Ellis.

As Versace’s career exploded, he and Oribe became inseparable, working closely on shoots, ad campaigns and runway shows. (Think of the big, iconic Versace hair seen on Cindy, Linda, Naomi, Claudia, Christy and others in that era: That was Oribe.) The designer brought Oribe everywhere with him, making him one of the first American hairdressers to work prolifically in Europe.

#3

His work was on almost every major magazine cover.

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. From 1997 to 2000, he styled 36 consecutive covers with photographer Gilles Bensimon for Elle US. One of his final covers was Caitlyn Jenner’s Vanity Fair debut.

#4

He even styled for The Met.

Canales created the hair looks for the reopening of the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The busts, based on his friend Christy Turlington, featured hair crafted from raffia.

#5

He had successful salons and launched his first line in the 90’s.

Oribe’s first product line included a tin of pomade in retro-chic packaging bearing his image styled as a 1950’s-style muscle man. (His friend Karl Lagerfeld suggested that he design the bottles to look like dishwashing detergent.) Oribe also had over-the-top luxe salons in Miami and New York City.