In 1979, John Allan began his career in Paris, France under the personal apprenticeship of Jean Louis David. At the time, Jean Louis David had become a major force in the industry with over 200 of his International Salons located throughout Europe. For over three years, John Allan trained in Paris and Milan until his return to the States where he was promoted to National Technical Director for the JLD Hair Salons' U.S. expansion. As Director, John Allan set up the Jean Louis David Training Center in the flagship salon at Henri Bendel’s, NYC. It was here that he taught cutting techniques while educating the JLD staff on the latest styles from Europe. Under John Allan's directorship, the Jean Louis David International Salons expanded into Beverly Hills, Chicago and Toronto.
John Allan’s first club opened on Stone street in 1988 where he introduced his signature Full Service and club membership. 13 years later, with the events of September 11th, John Allan realized the impact of “membership” when clients called with overwhelming concern for his family and staff. A makeshift club on the 19th floor of the Hotel Roosevelt proved to be a home for his members as John Allan’s and downtown rebuilt.
As the men’s grooming industry grew, so did John Allan’s: January 2002, the Midtown Club opens soon followed by the reopening of John Allan’s Downtown. March 2003, John Allan’s hair care line launches at Barneys New York immediately climbing to the top of sales. May 2004, skincare is introduced with national product distribution. November 2005, John Allan’s and Saks Fifth Avenue partners to open the first club in a retail establishment while the product line enters the global distribution. Today, John Allan’s explodes into 2008 with the celebration of John Allan’s Tribeca Club and training center and our Chicago club slated to open in the fall of 2008. Plans for club and product expansions are at the forefront as John Allan's celebrates its 20th anniversary.
With four successful clubs, and global distribution of his hair care, skin care, shaving and accessories lines, John Allan continues to pave the road for the men’s grooming industry.
John Allan's — Financial District is located in the Financial District neighborhood of Manhattan. The financial hub of the United States, the seat of New York City government, and home to some of New York's oldest buildings, the Financial District has an illustrious history. 17th century settlers began building here, and given the many seafarers of the time, boats could be conveniently docked at one of the slips right near the settlements of wooden homes. Right nearby, in the heart of the district is Federal Hall, where George Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the United States in 1789, also the meeting site for the First Congress. New York City was both the capital of the United States and New York State at the time. The street names reflect the district's fascinating history: Fulton Street, named after Robert Fulton, the inventor of the steamboat; Maiden Lane, originally called Magde Platje in Dutch; Beaver Street, recalling the once-significant beaver pelt trade, etc. The area today houses some great economic powerhouses, including the headquarters of major banks, the New York Stock Exchange, in addition to the World Financial Center. Contrasts are extraordinary, from old two- and three-story old brick buildings near South Street Seaport to the nearby modern mega-skyscrapers. Some of the numerous other attractions include Fraunces Tavern, where George Washington bid farewell to his troops (also, they have a museum!); the newly-landscaped City Hall Park; the Museum of the American Indian and the US Custom House at Bowling Green; Trinity Church, the first parish church in New York City and the resting place of Alexander Hamilton and Robert Fulton, among others; War Of 1812 strong hold Castle Clinton; the Staten Island-bound South Ferry; Battery Park; and the Federal Reserve Bank. Sadly, the biggest attraction since 9/11 has been the former World Trade Center site, although, thankfully, construction has finally filled the long-standing gouge in Lower Manhattan's face, and the stunning 9/11 Memorial and its attendant museum are welcome signs of a healing city. And, of course, soaring a symbolic 1,776 feet over the memorial is the new 1 World Trade Center!