Vito Marziliano considers cutting hair an art. With a sharp focused look, he takes it all in. The hair, the face and the body are all quickly assessed for shape and proportion.

"It is exciting being able to do what I want to do. "I was born with a drive to create. I might have been a fashion photographer, clothing designer, or an interior decorator but hair was my destiny. It is my passion and has led me to travel major cities and mingle with the arts and theater crowd."

Marziliano began doing hair at the age of 13. At 17, the Italian-born stylist attended the Marvel Beauty Academy in Toronto, Canada. After receiving his Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities license, Marziliano started apprenticing with some of Toronto's leading salons in the trendiest neighborhoods. Within six months he advanced from shampooing to cutting hair.

Ten years later he received his California Cosmetology license from the State Board. Vito became in much demand in both countries.

There are many reasons for his continuing success shaping the heads of clients, friends and celebrities. When charging $250 a haircut and up to $300 per hour for special effects, Vito says "I like to give clients my full attention. I have no assisstant. The client quite simply must have my full focus and creative energy."

Marziliano keeps current by traveling to big cities like Toronto, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Rome to attend hair shows and seminars as well as the fashion runways of such famous designers as Armani, Versace, Prada in Italy, Chanel in Paris or Jill Sanders in the U.S.A.

Even though Vito spends more time in his home city Toronto working at "Oggi" salon in the trendy Yorkville village area, he continues to cut hair by appointments in Fresno California at Stephan Cori Boutique where he is much demand. En route he may stop for appointments at the Stephan Cori Boutique in Carmel. He also does house calls when requested. "I enjoy doing special occasions. In recent times, I have done entire wedding parties in Carmel, Rome, Paris and as far as Fiji!"

"Working while traveling keeps me stimulated," he adds. So much so that magazines on both sides of the border have used Vito's talent for front covers, editorial spreads and even Penthouse centerfolds!

In the final analysis what his clients think of him is what moulds him. Canadian actress and activist Shirley Douglas, daughter of the late Tommy Douglas, Canadian NDP leader who also happens to be Kiefer Sutherland's Mother, says. "After 32 years, there is no one like Vito!" Toronto television producer Stephanie Fillingham has the last word. "Vito started doing my hair in 1982. I told him who I was, what I did for a living and that I was simply not willing to spend more than 15 minutes a day on my hair! He started cutting and we've never looked back. My life has changed, but life without Vito....? Never!"

Thanks to critic writer:

Deirdre Kelly - The Globe and Mail, Toronto
John Theo - Consultant, Toronto