A Conversation Between Harry Manilow & Ellie

THE MANILOW

A Conversation Between Harry Manilow & Ellie

Ellie:

Morning, Harry.

Harry:

Good morning, Ellie. We need to talk.

Ellie:

That tone usually means either a trim or a movement.

Harry:

It’s a movement.

Ellie:

I thought so. Sit.

Harry:

Before we begin, I need you to understand something. I have been referenced.

Ellie:

Referenced how?

Harry:

A young FANILOW. This week. Pointed at my head. Said his puppy should look like this.

Ellie:

…Like this this?

Harry:

Exactly this this.

Ellie:

That’s serious.

Harry:

I know. Children don’t lie about hair.

Ellie:

What did you tell him?

Harry:

Nothing. I nodded. That felt correct.

Ellie:

Okay. Then we don’t rush. We design.

Harry:

Agreed. This can’t be trendy.

Ellie:

No shaved sides. No gimmicks.

Harry:

No.

Ellie:

We’re talking structure.

Harry:

Architecture.

Ellie:

Balance.

Harry:

Dignity.

Ellie:

Volume?

Harry:

Yes. But earned volume.

Ellie:

Good. I don’t want anyone accusing us of a football helmet.

Harry:

That accusation has been made before. I have healed.

Ellie:

Then we soften the edges.

Harry:

Round but intentional.

Ellie:

Approachable, not aggressive.

Harry:

People should say, “Wow,” not “Oh.”

Ellie:

Exactly.

Harry:

What are we calling it?

Ellie:

The Manilow.

Harry:

That feels right.

Ellie:

Other dogs are already watching.

Harry:

They always are.

Ellie:

One doodle just asked if he could get “whatever that is.”

Harry:

Tell him it’s not a haircut.

Ellie:

What is it then?

Harry:

A responsibility.

Ellie:

I like that. Hold still.

Harry:

I am holding still emotionally.

Ellie:

Good. This part is about silhouette.

Harry:

Take your time. Timelessness cannot be rushed.

Ellie:

You realize people are going to start asking for this by name.

Harry:

They already have.

Ellie:

Are you ready for that?

Harry:

I listen to my FANILOWS.

Ellie:

That’s how icons stay grounded.

Harry:

That’s how movements last.

Ellie:

Okay. Done.

Harry:

May I look?

Ellie:

Go ahead.

Harry:

…Yes.

Ellie:

Yes?

Harry:

Yes.

Ellie:

Congratulations, Harry.

Harry:

On what?

Ellie:

You’ve just become a reference photo.

Harry:

I’ll try to be responsible with that.

Ellie:

You always are.