Celebrating the Romance of Luxury
March 12, 2010NEW YORK: The professional achievements of the late Lili Jakel, one of the international beauty industry’s most influential colorists, were celebrated by her friends and fellow members of Intercoiffure America/Canada during the Fall Atelier in New York City October 17. In addition to an emotional tribute at the Masked Ball on Sunday night, Jakel’s influence was also celebrated with a special main stage presentation in her honor by the Haircolor Council.
We titled this collection ‘Strong and Soft because that aptly describes Lili.
Lili Jakel, head colorist at Michael Kluthe Salon in Toronto and long-time Intercoiffure member, passed away on July 19 after a lengthy illness. Born in Germany, Jakel joined the Michael Kluthe Salon in 1970. She established the first specialized color department in Canada and forcefully advocated for the advantages of the departmentalized model through her work as an educator, editorial stylist and active member of Intercoiffure.
“Lili was a pioneer in the field of hair coloring,” notes Lois Christie, president of Intercoiffure America/Canada and herself a well-known colorist. “She was also a wonderful person, talented and loving. We will sorely miss her.”
“Grandmother passed on her sense of style and her sense of adventure to us,” says granddaughter Lindsay. “She was very supportive and proud of everything we did. Always reminded us girls need money—no empty pockets! She wanted us to always come with her when she travelled; she wanted us to experience the world.”
Jakel served on the Intercoiffure Board of Directors for many years, most recently as International Ambassador. She received the Order de la Chevaliere and the Cheena O’Seara Award in acknowledgment of her dedication to Intercoiffure.
In addition, she was co-founder and president of the Colour Connection, the first Canadian hair colour organization; a member of the Guild of Hair Design; and a founding member of the International Haircolor Exchange.
She was named one of the top 50 educators of the 20th century by Modern Salon magazine in 1999; was honored by the Guild of Hair Design (1999) and the International Haircolor Exchange (1998); was elected to the Toronto Life magazine Hall of Fame in 1998; was named Lifetime Achievement Award Winner (1994) and Hair Colorist of the World (1989 by Hair Color USA; and was a member of the Clairol Presidential Hair Colorist Council (1987).
She is survived by her husband, son and grandchildren.
