TRICOCI

a feature documentary

LOGLINE

An immigrant armed with a pair of shears and a dream, Mario Tricoci transformed the beauty industry from the ground up — “Tricoci” is a powerful documentary portrait of a world-class hairstylist, visionary entrepreneur, and mentor who redefined what it means to make someone’s day.

synopsis

"Tricoci" explores the extraordinary life and legacy of Mario Tricoci — an immigrant dreamer turned beauty icon who transformed an industry and empowered generations of artists to follow in his footsteps.

Born in a small village outside Naples, Mario began his journey with a pair of shears and a passion for craftsmanship. After immigrating to the United States as a teenager, he honed his skills in the heart of Chicago, eventually building one of the most recognized salon empires in the country. The film traces his rise from modest beginnings to the global stage, where his signature techniques and commitment to excellence earned him acclaim as a world-class hairstylist and visionary entrepreneur.

"Tricoci" follows Mario as he reflects on his storied career — from cutting hair in his basement to creating a brand that would define beauty for decades. We travel with him as he revisits the salons he helped build, reconnects with longtime collaborators, and revisits key moments that shaped his path: winning international hair competitions, pioneering the day spa concept, and founding Tricoci University to elevate the next generation of beauty professionals.

Through intimate interviews, rare archival footage, and immersive storytelling, the documentary captures Mario’s influence not only on style and trends, but on the cultural perception of beauty itself. More than a biography, "Tricoci" is a celebration of artistry, resilience, and reinvention — a tribute to a man who never stopped believing in the power of making someone’s day.

STYLE + TONE

“Tricoci” blends vérité realism with stylized cinematic storytelling to create a rich, emotionally resonant viewing experience.

Present-Day Footage

  • Intimate and observational: capturing Mario in his element — laughing with old friends, walking the halls of his salons, mentoring students, or hitting the golf course.

  • Visually rich locations: the texture of Italy’s countryside, the sleek modernism of his flagship salons, the energy of Tricoci University classrooms.

Cinematic Reenactments

  • Tasteful, emotionally-driven recreations of key moments from Mario’s early life and rise to prominence.

  • Shot in a stylized, elevated tone — inspired by prestige biopics and classic Italian cinema — to evoke memory, emotion, and time.

  • Scenes include: Mario as a young boy sweeping a barbershop in Italy, his arrival in America, backstage at international competitions, and the early days of building his business with his wife by his side.

Archival

  • Rare photographs, home video, and press clippings will be woven in to ground the story in historical context.

Overall Aesthetic

  • A warm, sophisticated color palette: earthy tones from Italy, sleek whites and golds from the salons, natural textures from Mario’s personal world.

  • Inspired by editorial photography and the craftsmanship of high fashion — bringing beauty and substance together in every frame.

STORY + TIMELINE

Humble Beginnings in Italy

Timeframe: Late 1930s–1950s
Location: Cosenza region, Calabria, Italy

  • Childhood in postwar Italy: Grew up in a rural town during a time of economic struggle. Family lived modestly; Mario was drawn to beauty and precision from a young age.

  • Early exposure to hairstyling: As a teenager, began sweeping floors at a local barbershop. Fascinated by the craft, he apprenticed under stylists and began cutting hair by hand.

  • Cultural context: Italy in this era was still recovering from World War II — many families were emigrating for better opportunities.

Immigrating to America

Timeframe: Late 1950s
Location: Chicago, Illinois

  • Moved to the U.S. at 17 years old with his brother Franco, seeking opportunity. Neither spoke English fluently.

  • Settled in Chicago, where there was a strong Italian-American community, but also a need to prove himself.

  • Took a job in a local salon, working long hours and learning the American approach to beauty while infusing his European sensibilities.

Making a Name for Himself

Timeframe: 1960s
Location: Chicago

  • Quickly became known for his unique approach — blending classic European techniques with bold American trends.

  • Gained respect among local clientele and stylists.

  • Began entering local and national hairstyling competitions to test his skill and build credibility.

International Recognition + Creative Breakthroughs

Timeframe: 1960s–70s
Milestone: Won numerous styling awards, including international titles in Europe.

  • Represented the U.S. in international competitions and won top honors, placing himself and his team among the best in the world.

  • His innovative cuts and styles became trend-setting, especially in the world of fashion and editorial work.

  • This phase launched his artistic reputation — not just a salon owner, but a stylist's stylist.

Love + Partnership

Timeframe: 1960s–1980s
Milestone: Married his wife Cheryl, who became instrumental in building the Tricoci brand.

  • Cheryl brought vision, strategy, and elegance to the business side of things.

  • Their relationship was a true partnership — she handled operations and branding while Mario focused on artistry and talent.

  • Together, they built a salon empire rooted in family values, high standards, and personal care.

Building the Tricoci Empire

Timeframe: 1970s–1990s
Milestone: Opening the first Mario Tricoci Salon & Day Spa

  • One of the first in the U.S. to integrate beauty + wellness under one roof.

  • Introduced the day spa concept, elevating hair salons into luxury lifestyle spaces.

  • Emphasized customer experience, professionalism, and upscale design.

  • Trained a generation of stylists under his methods and philosophy.

Revolutionizing the Beauty Industry

Timeframe: 1980s–2000s

  • Shifted perceptions of hairstyling from trade to artform.

  • Advocated for professional standards, career paths, and ongoing education in beauty.

  • The Tricoci brand became a symbol of aspiration, sophistication, and artistry.

  • Appeared on television, in magazines, and became a public face of high-end beauty.

Giving Back: Education + Philanthropy

Timeframe: 2000s–Present
Milestone: Founded Tricoci University of Beauty Culture

  • A lifelong advocate for professional development, Mario created his own accredited university to help future stylists get top-tier training and business acumen.

  • The university focuses on diversity, inclusion, and access — providing opportunities for students from all backgrounds.

  • Mario has also supported numerous charitable causes, including cancer research and mentorship programs.

Love and Loss

Milestone: Passing of his beloved wife Cheryl

  • Her death was a devastating personal loss after decades of partnership.

  • Mario often reflects on their life together and her role in every chapter of the Tricoci story.

  • Her presence still guides many of his decisions and the values of the brand.

Legacy in Motion

Timeframe: Present Day

  • The Tricoci name remains synonymous with excellence.

  • His former students, stylists, and business partners now lead companies of their own.

  • His university continues to grow, and his influence can be felt in beauty schools and salons across the country.

  • Mario’s story continues — not just as a founder, but as a living mentor, cultural icon, and reminder of what passion can build.