Celebrity Hairstylist Robert Gioria Makes Comeback With New Salon

Introduction - Celebrity Hairstylist Robert Gioria Makes Comeback With New Salon

Comeback kid Robert Gioria, formerly of Robert Kree, emerges from his long-overdue hiatus with the opening of his new shop, the Robert G Salon.

Located at 23 Commerce Street in Manhattan's charming West Village, the namesake salon proves the second time around really is better than the first with its sleek look, airy feel, and chic styling.

After pruning the likes of the late Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and John Kennedy Jr., Mariah Carey, Kevin Spacey, and Julianne Moore, to name a few, owner Gioria decided to take a breather from the beauty biz in 2001.

However, fate beckoned in early 2006 and Gioria decided it was time once again to pick up his shears and get back behind the chair.

"I had been thinking about getting back into the industry for a while but nothing struck me. I was walking by Commerce Street one night and saw the 'For Rent' sign in the window – I knew this was it," Gioria says.

Opening its doors in late September 2006 to both women and men in need of a beauty boost, the salon offers up anything and everything hair.

The salon's expert staff specializes in color, highlights, cuts, updo's, perms, relaxers, Japanese straightening, extensions, and makeup application. With haircuts ranging from $80 to $150, color starting at $100, and highlights starting at $150, those in need of a hair fix – be it a quick fix or a complete transformation – can do so without breaking the bank.

Along with exceptional hair services, patrons are treated to a friendly, no 'tude staff, beverages ranging from sparkling Pellegrino to wine (red or white, take your pick), and oven-fresh cookies from the neighboring bakery.

A live DJ spins every Thursday evening.  Patrons are invited to drop by for a blowout while listening to some tunes or encouraged to stop in with no appointment just to check out the scene.

More About Robert Gioria

While training one day at the Robert Fiance Beauty Academy in New York City, the upcoming hair gurus were asked to raise their hand if they would ever want to own a salon. Everyone’s hand went up except for the hand of a one Robert Gioria. As fate would have it, years later the once-skeptical trainee would own an impressive list of four salons, a product line, and would work on clients from the everyday woman to the hottest celebrities.

A Long Island native, Gioria initially made the jump to Manhattan in his early 20’s to pursue a career in acting. When acting didn’t quite pan out and waiting tables night after night started to lose its appeal, Robert turned to his friends for some career advice. One suggested giving the hair biz a try, and the rest, as they say, is history.

After completing training at the Robert Fiance Beauty Academy, Gioria landed his first hair gig at Jean Louis David on 57th street, located in the original Henri Bendel’s. Two years later he moved to Bruno Dessange, gave Jason Croy a whirl, then went to Headlines in Chelsea. After six months the salon was up for sale, and an entrepreneur was born. With the help of business partner Kree Perkins, Gioria bought, renovated, and established Headlines as the go-to salon in Chelsea.

The Birth Of Robert Kree Salon

The two retained ownership of Headlines for ten years, however two years later in 1996, Gioria and Perkins fell in love with a Bleecker storefront. The next day they purchased the space and opened their second and highly successful joint venture, Robert Kree.

The salon’s talent drew the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker and other famous celebrities.  The salon also appeared in such publications as W, In Style, O, The Oprah Magazine, Hamptons, and WWD, as well as E!’s Fashion Emergency and Style Network’s Ambush Makeover.

The year 1998 brought more milestones as Gioria opened yet another salon, Bang, on 7th Ave. and 16th Street, and Robert & Kree launched their self-titled hair care line.

Having run three successful salons, Robert decided to take a break from the biz and in 2001, sold Robert Kree to the other half, Kree.  Five years later, with the help of business-savvy friend Michael Linn, Robert is back with the Robert G Salon.  Looking forward to what the future holds, Robert is once again behind the chair, back and better than ever.

Grand Opening Launch Party

A Grand Opening Launch Party was held on Tuesday, December 5, 2006 from 6-9 PM.  The media along with friends and clients of Robert's were invited to check out the new space, meet Robert and his talented staff.  Complimentary hair consultations and/or makeup applications were offered while visitors enjoyed appetizers and some bubbly.