About Us
In 1997, Philadelphia’s tony Rittenhouse Square became home to the city’s most excusive salon, Giovanni & Pileggi. Inspired by his recognition as the North American Hairstylist of the Year, Giovanni Mele founded a thirteen-chair salon that quickly became known for cutting-edge procedures, unique techniques, and extraordinary service.
Ten years and countless accolades later, Giovanni was ready for the next exciting phase in his career. He moved his venerated salon to an 1840’s Federal Period Townhouse located at 256 South 16th Street in Center City Philadelphia. The beautifully restored home was once the headquarters for the Eisenhower Fellowships and is now the home of Philadelphia’s most trusted and talented stylists.
Giovanni continues to anticipate his client’s needs, adding spa service in the new location and developing an eponymous product line. His vision for the future and the salon’s legacy of extraordinary service ensure that Giovanni & Pileggi will remain a permanent fixture in Philadelphia’s beauty scene.
Giovanni Mele
Giovanni Mele, Artistic Director and Owner of Giovanni and Pileggi, descends from a family of hair professionals dating back for more than a century. He has trained in the United States as well as in Europe, focusing not only on cutting but also color technique. He remains a vanguard of the hair industry through his work with runway, platform, and print. He has been featured on Oprah and in national publications such as InStyle, Allure, Seventeen, and Vogue. Perhaps Giovanni's greatest achievement to date is receiving the prestigious North American Hair Stylist of the Year Award in 1996. Giovanni continues to be recognized for his artistry, most recently being named the "High Priest of Hair," "Trend Visionary" and "Best of Style."
Giovanni co-founded the wildly successful Giovanni & Pileggi salon in 1997, which quickly became the preeminent salon for residents of Philadelphia's most chic neighborhood- Rittenhouse Square. Though he himself has a full roster of loyal clients, Giovanni personally nurtures incoming stylists so that each person under his employment upholds a level of creative excellence. He feels that this training is essential to keeping his salon on the forefront of trend and technique.
Giovanni derives his inspiration from everyday life. He observes young trendsetters' hair and fashion choices, affirming the belief that street culture is part of the fashion forecast. Giovanni remains on the cutting edge of the hair industry by coordinating his hair forecasts with the upcoming fashion trends for the season. He interprets the shapes, colors and fabric textures from the runway into fresh ready to wear hairstyles and cuts.
Giovanni has a unique approach to hair styling and his client list encompasses people of all generations and various cultures. He believes that, first and foremost, the vital element in creating a look is the right cut. Giovanni confers with each client to understand their personal style. His devotees love the personal attention Giovanni lavishes on them.
Recently, Giovanni Mele channeled his passion for hair into the creation of his signature anti-aging hair care line, G Melé. The G Melé Anti-Aging system, includes a shampoo, conditioner and styling foundation prep spray specially designed to restore hair's youthful texture and appearance, adding softness, shine, movement and body. G Melé products are available at Giovanni & Pileggi salon and online at www.gmele.com. In May 2011, Giovanni will introduce the G Melé brand to a national audience with an appearance on Shop NBC and ShopNBC.com. Giovanni looks forward to expanding the G Melé brand to include new hair care and styling products.
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