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Joaquina Dueñas
Domingo, 2 de febrero 2025, 19:45
Tomelloso mourns the loss of one of its most illustrious residents. Ruphert, the celebrated hairdresser who captivated high society and left his mark on the world of fashion and entertainment, passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the age of 87. The funeral was held on Sunday at the municipal cemetery of his hometown, where friends, family, and admirers bid their final farewell.
The mayor of Tomelloso, Javier Navarro, expressed his deep sorrow over Ruphert's death, describing him as "universal, a great professional, and deeply in love with his town, Tomelloso." The mayor recalled that Ruphert was the first Honorary Viñador in the history of the city's awards and praised his legacy, highlighting that he became an icon in his field, inspiring future generations. "Innovative and free, his creativity drove new techniques that are now studied in academies and schools worldwide," the mayor noted. Deeply attached to his land, "he never forgot where he came from and always spoke of the women in his family, who had such a great influence on him. A great man has left us, but he leaves behind a legacy of intelligence, wisdom, and good work," he said.
His extensive and successful career began when he was just 14 years old. Ruphert moved to Madrid to train in hairdressing, and it was in the capital that he received his first big opportunity, specifically at Sara Di Stéfano's salon, where he attended to Lola Flores. The Faraona was impressed by his technique for straightening hair, thus beginning his romance with celebrities. In fact, the encounter caught the attention of journalist Emilio Romero, who dedicated a cover story to him, catapulting him to fame. This was further enhanced when, during his military service, he styled the hair of Minister Camilo Menéndez Tolosa, opening the doors to the high society of the time.
His talent also took him to Buenos Aires, where businesswoman Nelly Raymond hired him for fifteen days, but his success was such that he stayed for seven years.
Upon his return to Spain, at just 24 years old, he became the most sought-after hairdresser by national and international high society. His clients included Jacqueline Kennedy, Grace Kelly, Sofia of Habsburg, the Countess of Romanones, Naty Abascal, and Maria Callas. Even Federico Fellini described him as "the best hairdresser in the world."
His influence also reached the music world. He was the creator of Mónica Naranjo's iconic two-tone hairstyle, originally designed for Madonna. A friend of Rocío Jurado, one of his most controversial works was the hairstyle he did for her daughter, Rocío Carrasco, on her wedding day to Antonio David Flores. A style with hairpieces as the main feature that made headlines for weeks, which he did not hesitate to publicly defend.
Beyond his mastery with scissors, Ruphert was a media personality. In 1989, he starred in a television commercial where Victoria Abril uttered the iconic phrase: "Ruphert, I need you!" His charismatic presence made him a television star, although he also experienced controversial moments. One of the most memorable was his live argument with Carmen Ordóñez during a Telemadrid program, a confrontation that was much talked about. He also had disagreements with Naty Abascal, who stopped speaking to him after he dismantled a bun she wanted to wear at all costs, considering it inappropriate.
After more than five decades of career, Ruphert retired, leaving his prestigious salon in the Salamanca district in the hands of young Asturian stylist Gabriel Llano. His death marks the end of an era in Spanish hairdressing, but his legacy lives on in every innovative technique he introduced and every story he starred in.
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