About

About

Born in Cuba in 1956, Oribe immigrated to the United States as a child.

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. In the late 1980s and early ‘90s, Oribe began a partnership with photographer Steven Meisel and makeup artist François Nars that would re-define beauty in that era. Oribe formed a career-defining relationship with Gianni Versace in the early ’90s, which led to countless creative collaborations, including iconic print ads and commercials as well as groundbreaking runway shows. During that time, he was also known for his palatial Fifth Avenue salon at Elizabeth Arden in New York City.

It wasn’t until the late 90s that Oribe became a household name thanks to his alliance with aspiring musician Jennifer Lopez, who reached out to him having spent her teens admiring his work in Vogue. Beginning with the cover of her first album, On the 6, they collaborated for nearly two decades.

In 2008, Oribe began working with Oribe Hair Care president and co-founder Daniel Kaner to translate his love of hairdressing and individual beauty into the collection of products he’d always envisioned: A range grounded in traditional hairstyling and blended with leading technology and the finest ingredients. The result was an edited line focused on the needs of the hair-obsessed.

1990s —

Oribe is connected to Gianni Versace.

1995 —

Launches his first product line,

Launches his first product line, which includes a tin of pomade in retro-chic packaging bearing his image as a 1950s-style muscle man. His friend Karl Lagerfeld suggested that he design the bottles to look like dishwashing detergent. Opens Miami salon on Euclid Road in Miami Beach.

1996 —

Begins to work with Jennifer Lopez, beginning with the cover for her first album, On the 6.

1997-2000 —

Styles 36 consecutive covers with photographer Gilles Bensimon for Elle US.

“Oribe was bold in his authentic approach that was purely coming from his gut, and he was instrumental in formulating and forging the path forward for others to follow. Oribe and Omar Ismail had the vision and understanding that hair and makeup artists needed to be elevated and represented properly for their contribution and artistry to the business. They created an agency that launched many of the careers of the most sought-after hair and makeup artists of that time.”

Judy Erickson, Oribe Canales’ Longtime Assistant

2011 —

Receives the Visionnaire award at Intercoiffure from his client, Sarah Jessica Parker.

2018 —

Oribe Canales passes away in Miami.