Trevor Sorbie MBE is our longtime friend and collaborator at Tribu-te Magazine, joining us for countless shows and feature stories over the past 20 years. Last week we made a visit to see him and his wife Carole in their gorgeous home near the south coast of England. Tribu-te Publisher Nicky Pope and hairdresser Charlotte Cave were keen to catch up with the Sorbies and find out what life is like for the famous couple who remain so popular with hairdressers worldwide.
A warm welcome from Carole and Trevor for Charlotte Cave – a self-confessed super fan!
On a frosty December morning, we were invited to peek inside Trevor’s studio where he now spends time drawing and painting. We were also able to browse his trophy cabinet (it’s heaving). Positioned alongside memorabilia of his time in hair, including photographs with Vidal Sassoon and collecting his MBE medal from the Queen Elizabeth II, it is very emotional seeing the display en masse.
Pride of place in Trevor’s garden studio: his trophies
Being Trevor Sorbie
Retired from working behind the chair (but still engaged in his creative team projects and charity work), Trevor has a garden studio where he works on his other love: creating art. Chemo treatment had the effect of Trevor losing sensation in his fingertips and forced him to put aside scissors a few years ago. With persistent practice and steely willpower, Trevor has however mastered holding pencils, charcoal and pens so he can return to his very first passion in life – drawing. He practices each day he’s at home and we are impressed by his many framed pictures.
Drawing is a passion for Trevor Sorbie
Trevor with his dog, Lisbon
Admiring the large garden, the stunning house decor and a lovable dog, Lisbon, we were beautifully hosted by Trevor and his wife Carole. Over lunch we shared stories and jokes. This was a lovely insight into the day-to-day life of ‘being Trevor Sorbie’ and we appreciated greatly the generosity of Mr and Mrs Sorbie.
Trevor Sorbie: A life in hair
Trevor was born in Scotland but spent his later childhood and first working years in Ilford, England. He joined his father’s barbershop initially, but soon moved into ladies hairdressing which he instantly found more interesting. A stint at a training school in London led to time with Vidal Sassoon, both in the UK and USA.
In 1974 he created the infamous ‘wedge’ haircut. There followed time working with Toni&Guy – Anthony Mascolo was Trevor’s junior at one point! – before opening his own salon in 1979. The next four decades have proved quite a ride.
Trevor Sorbie with Nicky Pope and Mike Vincent for Tribu-te 2019
Listen to the whole story in the latest podcast recording made during our visit. Our thanks to hairdresser and owner of two luxe London salons, Charlotte Cave, who did a fabulous job of posing insightful and entertaining questions. LISTEN HERE
Charlotte and Trevor talking in Dec 2023
At home with Trevor and Carole
Trevor and Carole Sorbie at home
We’ve enjoyed browsing Trevor’s current art works (remember we hosted a show by Trevor at Hair Pieces 2022 – see HERE), and meeting Carole and Lisbon the dog. We have a tranquil, peaceful routine here, says Trevor. “We walk the dog together, then I go into the studio while Carole goes out maybe shopping or the spa. In the evening we watch TV.”
“It’s very normal,” says Carole. “Christmas this year will be special … just the three of us with our dog. We do enjoy going to industry events, too. Recently we’ve been to the British Hairdressing Awards, and we like the Fellowship luncheon. Being an ex-hairdresser, I understand the industry and that way I can support Trevor and enjoy it at the same time.”
What’s next we asked Trevor? Even though I can’t do hair anymore, he told us, I”m still a hairdresser in my head. “I still think hair, I go to the salon once a week. I go to the Art Team meetings once a week… I enjoy it. I”m still into it. We’ll be going to Cosmoprof in March 2024… ”
Moving forward
Trevor Sorbie at Fellowship luncheon 2023
Since visiting their home, Trevor Sorbie MBE was awarded a Lifetime Achievement trophy by The Fellowship For British Hairdressing. At a glamorous pre-Christmas lunch, we joined those heaping applause and praise on Trevor. He deserves such an accolade. In truth we wondered how Trevor could find more space to house another award… he has so many. And yet he remains humbled and delighted by such events. For a man with such drive and focus, he is charmingly unaware of the extent of his influence on hairdressing globally.
Trevor receives his trophy from (left) Robert Eaton, president of the Fellowship, and (right) TV presenter Lorraine Kelly
Creativity in hair is Trevor’s life-blood and he is devoted to his artistic and education teams at Trevor Sorbie International. He’s on speed-dial for Creative Director Giuseppe Stelitano, as with Ryan Forsythe, the Artistic Creative Director, and Nathan Walker the Brand Education Manager. Follow the team and you’ll see Trevor’s influence remains strong. For a long time to come.
SEE MORE:
COLLECTION UNSPOKEN Feb 2023 Giuseppe Stelitano with Tiziana Di Marcelli & Edoardo Colorant
TRIBU-TE SHOW 2019 A Tribu-te to Trevor Sorbie
TRIBU-TE SHOW 2017 Trevor Sorbie on stage
Trevor Sorbie for L’Oreal Colour Trophy 2015
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