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Beauty & Style: Trump’s New Celebrity Hair Guru Spills His Secrets

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What started out as a power breakfast with Ivanka Trump over a business plan (shared with the Donald, of course) morphed into one of the most highly anticipated salon openings this city has seen since the Vidal Sassoon days decades ago. But Anthony Cristiano didn’t just bring a good idea and a pair of shears to the table (this is Trump Tower we’re talking about), he also brought with him an esteemed background that includes a client book of A-listers like Uma Thurman, Demi Moore, Mariah Carey, and many more — not to mention the hundreds of editorials he’s done for glossy fashion mags.
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With a pedigree like that, we say the man has the right to name his new Chicago salon after his own namesake. The 3,400-square-foot Anthony Cristiano salon officially opened its doors this month on the mezzanine level of the ritzy Trump Tower. The final touches on his dream biz? How about the 24 killer cut and style stations he picked out himself in Bologna, Italy. Cristiano found a few minutes to chat with us about fashion, fall color trends, competitively priced cuts, and what makes a woman the most beautiful.

The change of seasons will be here before we know it. Are there any particular color trends we should consider trying out this fall?

"The balayage highlighting technique has an L.A. vibe with a raw edge to it. Highlights are painted on which creates an effortless sex appeal-type result in comparison to the man-made look foils can produce. This is perfect for someone who has never experimented with color, as well as color veterans looking to try something new."

What is fashion to you?

"Fashion should look effortless — not contrived. It’s the juxtaposition of Christian Louboutin shoes and jeans, an evening gown with a sexy tousled blowout, or smoked-out eyelids with a nude lip."

Having has as many women clients of all types in your chair over the years, what should be our secret weapon for always looking fabulous?

"A woman should always know her different layers and learn to define her own identity — not somebody else’s, or the likes of a Hollywood movie star. Part of my job is to help people define their image. I’m a great hairdresser, but I also have years of experience working on movie sets, fashion shows, and photo shoots for magazines like Bazaar and Vanity Fair. All of this experience has given me a vast array of knowledge and the ability to work on a whim. Helping someone achieve their own sense of style is as rewarding as having them leave the salon completely satisfied with a new cut or color."

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That sounds great, but will we have to have a bank account like Demi Moore to visit your salon? What are your prices like?

"Absolutely not. Our prices are competitive to other high-end salons in the city. Haircuts will range from $85 to $200 depending on the level of stylist you are with. Same with color, which starts at $75 for a single process. My cuts, however, will be at a set price of $350."

Put away the curling iron and the shears for a sec. What traits make a woman beautiful?

"Spontaneity and confidence bring forth a sex appeal that no beauty service in the world could compare to."

Okay, be honest. After meeting Ivanka Trump face to face, would you change anything about her style — both clothing and hair-wise, or is she really as perfect as she appears?

"She is indeed as perfect as she looks and is equal in intelligence as she is in beauty. She exudes the simple elegance I mentioned earlier. She is really a true lady in every sense."

Anthony Cristiano Salon at Trump Tower, 401 North Wabash Avenue (mezzanine level); 312-268-2440.

Photo: Courtesy of Anthony Cristiano Salon

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