What is the British Honors System?

The British honors system is one of the oldest in the world. It has evolved over 650 years as the country has found alternative means of recognizing merit, gallantry and service. The Commander of the Order of the British Empire recognizes distinguished service to the arts and sciences, public services outside the Civil Service and work with charitable and welfare organizations of all kinds. Honors lists are published twice a year at New Year and in mid-June on the date of The Queen's official birthday.

Quotes from Vidal Sassoon on receiving the honor:

"When I began in 1954, hairdressing was so old-fashioned. I'd look around and see the great buildings in London, I was fascinated by architecture, and I'd think, hairdressing really needs to catch-up. I was convinced that hair could be cut into shapes, and since I had a great team of people working beside me, we just experimented and ultimately, did what we were supposed to do: change the craft. "

"Ever since I heard about this honor, I've been giving it tremendous thought, it's really strange for a kid from the East End to take it all in. As a shampoo boy at 14 years of age, this was inconceivable."

"I think this award doesn't just recognize me, but rather, it honors the craft. Hairdressing has given so much to so many, especially the fashion industry – we really had some great collaborations there with fashion's most exciting new designers, such as Mary Quant. What a thrilling time to be living and working in London – it really seemed like the center of it all!"

"For the past two years, I've been working on a documentary film of my life, so I've been re-visiting experiences and places I haven't been in decades, looking back on my 81 years, and now with this incredible honor, I really can say, that the excitement has never stopped."