By Sean Delaney
After 50 years of dedication to hairstyling, Rita Vitale is retiring from La Vogue, Hair Design. Her career began in 1974. Alongside her best friend and business partner Lina, she transformed La Vogue from a mere salon into a beloved social hub.
“It wasn’t just working with strangers. It became a family,” Vitale said. “I wasn’t decided yet, but my partner’s husband wanted out, and I’ve been running it by myself. So, I said, you know what, the time is right.”
As a great-grandmother, Vitale looks forward to more time with her loved ones. It keeps you going when you have something to do every day and someone to talk to daily, she said. “I know them all. And I see a lot of weddings, communions, and many seniors.”
Vitale’s retirement was celebrated with a gathering of family, friends, and esteemed guests, including Ward 7 Councillor and BIA Chair Anthony Perruzza, Humber River-Black Creek MPP Tom Rakocevic and Sandra Farina, Executive Director of the Emery Village BIA.
“Rita was truly an extraordinary woman who left an indelible mark on our community. Over the decades, she built a network of friendships that spanned generations. Her ability to connect with people from all walks of life was nothing short of remarkable. I remember the strip plaza vividly from my teenage years when I worked at Metro Pizza. It was a tough place to make a living, yet Rita not only managed to thrive there but also became a cornerstone of the community. Her perseverance and dedication to her work and the people around her were truly inspiring,” Perruzza said. “Rita’s contributions to the community extended far beyond her personal interactions. She played a significant role in the Business Improvement Area (BIA), helping to foster a sense of unity and progress within the local business community. Her efforts in organizing events, supporting local initiatives, and advocating for improvements in the plaza made a tangible difference.”
Tom Rakocevic also paid tribute. “Today we gather to celebrate a momentous occasion, one that is both bittersweet and heartwarming. We are here to honour Rita, who has dedicated 50 incredible years to her hairstylist shop, a place that has transcended its role as a mere business and become a cherished cornerstone of our community. Rita’s shop was never just about haircuts. It was a sanctuary where confidence was restored with a fresh look and where friendships were forged and nurtured. Over the past five decades—spanning two generations—people didn’t just come to look better; they came to feel better. They came to socialize, to share stories, and to build lasting connections. Think about it: 50 years of being an integral part of people’s lives. Rita’s shop was the backdrop to countless significant moments. From the excitement of a groom preparing for his wedding day to the joy of a family celebrating a baptism, and even in the solemn moments of preparing for a loved one’s funeral, Rita was there. She was a confidante, a friend, and a witness to life’s most pivotal events.”
Vitale’s retirement marks the end of an era. Her salon has been more than just a place for haircuts, it’s been a social hub where friendships flourished and lives intertwined. We thank Rita for her dedication and for making La Vogue a cherished part of our lives. Now, as she steps into her well-deserved golden years, we wish her all the best. Her legacy of kindness, perseverance, and community spirit will continue to inspire us all.