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As the Nineties got under way, blow-dryers were revving up on Fifth Avenue, in preparation for the duel of the decade. In one corner was Frederic Fekkai, the suave French newcomer with tousled locks and smitten female clients. In the other corner was Oribe, just two years older and already a fashion show vet with pomp and pomade to spare.

When W covered the feisty face-off in 1991, we wondered who would ultimately reign as King of the Cut. Fekkai delivered quick and easy-to-maintain snips, charging a then astronomical price of $175. Oribe, meanwhile, had supermodel regulars (Linda, Naomi) and a reputation for edgier, more fashion-forward styles. ...