ith its wall-to-wall windows and abundant natural light, Riccardo Maggiore's inviting new 5,000-square-foot salon will undoubtedly be welcomed by discerning clients who require the best in hair, skin and nail services. A coffee and juice bar helps set the scene for relaxation as Riccardo and his staff design and customize a beauty regimen.

The charismatic Riccardo was born and raised in Catania, Sicily, and began styling at the age of fourteen. At fifteen, he moved to Milan to pursue a career in the high-profile fashion industry. Training in Milan's fashionable salons by day, and attending the prestigious Centro Style Moda School by night, he honed his skills while building a client base and gaining a reputation as a talented young stylist.

Noted for his precise, versatile cuts and fashion-forward styling, Riccardo was invited to style at various fashion shows, including those by Laura Biagiotti, Missoni and Armani. Over the next few years, Riccardo worked as an instructor, won a number of awards and worked with such industry legends as Vidal Sassoon, Louis Longueras and Aldo Coppola. He was encouraged by colleagues to bring his talents to the United States.

In New York, as he had done in Italy, Riccardo worked at some of Manhattan's most prestigious salons and quickly established his artistic reputation. Once again, his talents led to runway jobs for Escada, Bill Blass and Geoffrey Beene. In 1995, Riccardo opened his own Manhattan salon on 56th Street off 5th Avenue.

At his new location, Riccardo offers his own line of hair care products which contain special botanical extracts that help to protect, volumize, condition, and tame even unmanageable hair. The products are pH balanced, and the texturizer, gel, and hair spray have sunscreen agents to protect the hair from UV rays year-round. The line includes Carezza Shampoo, Carezza Conditioner, Rinnova Texturizer, Gel Vitale, Fortezza Hair Spray, Forza Hair Spray and Luminoso Anti-Frizz Drops. The products are not tested on animals.

In addition to his styling and coloring work at his salon, Riccardo has offered his time and services to various philanthropic ventures, including the American Cancer Society, Locks for Love, A Wish and a Smile fundraiser for St. Jude's Hospital and The Leukemia Society.