Renowned for her flowing locks, Marisa Tomei made an indelible mark on the pixie cut trend during the mid-1990s, despite initial reluctance.
The decision to transform her signature long hair into the iconic pixie cut was not an immediate one. In a recent interview, costume designer Nicoletta Ercole delved into the behind-the-scenes persuasion that led Marisa Tomei to embrace the drastic change for her role in the romantic comedy, “Only You.”
Nicoletta reminisced about Marisa’s arrival after her Oscar win for “My Cousin Vinny,” with her cascading long hair still intact. Nicoletta recounted her proposition to Marisa, saying, “I suggested, ‘Why not cut it? As it is, it’s ordinary. It’s not unique.'”
The turning point came when Nicoletta presented Marisa with an enticing offer: the opportunity to be styled by the world-renowned hairstylist Aldo Signoretti, who was at the pinnacle of his craft at that time.
Nicoletta elaborated, noting Marisa’s distinctive beauty that exudes a relatable charm, stating, “Marisa, she possesses a certain beauty, but it’s not… it’s not an extraordinary beauty, you know? She’s like everyone else. So I asked, ‘Why not consider a haircut?’ She responded with a firm ‘No! I won’t cut my hair!’ I proposed, ‘Alright, I know the finest hairstylist globally, Aldo Signoretti. He’s in Rome. If you’re interested, I can contact him.'”
Upon Nicoletta’s prompt, Aldo Signoretti promptly embarked on a flight to Los Angeles. Nicoletta recounted the event, sharing, “I called him and instructed, ‘Head to the nearest airport, catch the first flight to L.A. Your task is to come here and give Marisa Tomei a haircut.’ The transformation transpired within the serene confines of my apartment’s garden.”
Marisa’s pixie cut in the movie “Only You” reignited the popularity of this style, harkening back to its prominence in the late 1960s and 1970s.
“Only You,” also featuring Robert Downey, Jr., revolved around a teacher who abandons her fiancé to embark on an Italian escapade, in pursuit of a man who matches the name of her destined soulmate.
