Frankie Goes to Bollywood

Hey Folks,

Today was a day like non-other. The sun was shining, the birds were chirpin' and Sandy and I went shopping for an apartment and a hairpiece. We didn't buy a home but we did get a bagel, coffee and had an eventful journey down Madison Avenue.

Our destination? Joseph Paris Naturally on the corner of Madison and E34th Street. Because there was so much traffic we hopped out of our cab a few blocks before arriving. Why the gridlock? Today was the Annual Sikh Day Parade. So while hundreds, if not thousands, of people marched downtown in turbans they voluntarily wear, I was on a hunt for a wig and probably at some point a drawerful of turbans I don't want to wear.

Sikh and you shall find...

Joseph Paris, home of the Frank Sinatra hairpiece collection.
Yes, those are just a few of the 100s of toupees Joseph made for Frankie for his movies and concerts.

A few other places I preferred to be. 
Today, the magic carpet ride.

The hands that measured Sinatra's head now grace mine. 

There are seven measurements to take to determine if you'll wear a S, M, or L wig. 

Joseph explains the difference of his patented hair system including the lightweight lace
foundation into which individual hairs are sewn.

Channeling one pouty Loretta Lynn.

Joseph draws over your hairline so your customized wig will be fit/sewn 
to look as natural as possible. 

My soon to be recreated hairline.

Where the magic happens.
In several rooms you will find selections of wigs,  the women patiently sewing them, and the myriads of wig tools like steamers, dyes and canvas block heads needed to facilitate a perfect fitting wig.

Joseph is a very nice, patient man. With 50 years experience in the business, he shows great compassion when explaining the wig making process to someone who is about to loose her hair. He himself started his business as a result of his own battle with alopecia. Originally from Bensonhurst, he's made his way around the world advising people on how to best deal with medically related hairloss and at no charge gives you as much time as you need to understand the process. While we were there, he actually received platters of food and a hand written thank you note from a woman so happy with her results and personal experience with Joseph.

Next step? At the first sign of my hair falling out, I'm to call the studio and make an appointment to come in, make sure the wig fits and it gets cut and styled. Contrary to what I thought I would do, I opted for a synthetic wig because they're a lot easier to style and care for. The wig does come with a warning that I should avoid leaning over hot barbecues and stoves but that doesn't pose too big a problem for me since my cooking repertoire consists of making tea and toast.

Another perk of working with Joseph is that he insists on your returning as often as you want to make sure the wig is fitting properly and you're happy with the fit.

The proof'll be in the pudding a week or two from now.

Until then, we wait...from Hair to Eternity...

Frankie Goes To Hollywood Flashback