In brief
Trevor Sorbie, famed for crafting the iconic 'wedge' hairstyle and for his impactful contributions to hairstyling, has died at the age of 75, leaving behind a legacy of creativity and inspiration in the beauty industry.
Trevor Sorbie, a renowned hairstylist celebrated for inventing the widely popular "wedge" haircut, passed away on Friday at his home in Fareham, England. He was 75 years old. His passing was confirmed by Bree Davie, CEO of his company, after he disclosed last month that he was battling bowel cancer that had metastasized to his liver. Mr. Sorbie's influence on hairstyling extended beyond mere aesthetics; he reshaped an entire cultural landscape through his innovative techniques and iconic styles. One of his most significant creations, the wedge cut, was famously worn by Olympic figure skater Dorothy Hamill during the 1976 Olympics and subsequently featured in numerous shampoo commercials, making it a hairstyle recognized around the world.Created by Sorbie in 1974 during a styling session in Paris, the wedge quickly gained traction, resulting in a two-page spread in Vogue magazine. "The wedge captured the spirit of the time and was flaunted in nightclubs around the world," Sorbie reflected on his salon's website. The cut, characterized by short hair at the back and longer layers framing the face, resonated with the fashion-forward individuals of the era.Throughout his career, Mr. Sorbie styled hair for an array of celebrities, including Dame Helen Mirren and the Beach Boys, and was recognized for his contributions to British hairstyling with an honorary award from Queen Elizabeth II. He believed that hairstyling could be a revolutionary form of self-expression, akin to fashion and music, and consistently sought to push the boundaries of creativity and personal expression in an ever-evolving industry.As his legacy lives on, Sorbie's impact on hairstyling will be remembered as a significant chapter in the history of beauty and fashion.
