The Wire

Beauty in Barcelona

Barcelona abounds with fantastic art and whimsical architecture, but there was even more eye candy than usual on October 28, when a crowd of more than 2,500 hairdressers and industry aficionados descended on the Spanish city for the Wella International Trend Vision Awards 2007. The event was staged at the Centre Convencions International Barcelona.



For the fifth year, Wella Professionals hosted the only worldwide live hairdressing competition of its kind, where 53 up-and-coming hairstylists and their teams competed for the coveted title, showcasing their professional skills and artistic ability by interpreting one of four hair trends to a large international audience. The participants—who earned the right to compete by taking home top honors in their respective country's national competitions—were judged by a prestigious jury panel. Acclaimed artists Takahiro Hashimoto of Japan, Italy's Pier Giuseppe Moroni, China's Wu Wei and the United States' Teri Dougherty were joined by 2006 winner Aurelio Ramos de Oliveira of Portugal and makeup artist Gregorio Ros, who independently evaluated, examined and scored their efforts. Additionally, for the first time in the history of the award, attendees got the chance to help decide who would ultimately take home the gold, silver and bronze awards.

The Trend Vision '08 Workshops were interspersed amid all the competitive action. During the workshops, top-drawer talent, like Germany's Vidal Sassoon team and France's Camille Albane, translated the new 2008 trends identified by trend forecaster Carlin International in collaboration with Wella Professionals. To wit: Couture Allure's graphic, sculptured designs, Wonderland's loose and deconstructed shapes, Mineral Splendor's use of the C-curvature to give hair internal shape with a fluid, delicate density and Factory Lyrics' uncontrived shapes that embrace imperfection.

The event culminated with an awards ceremony, where Young Kim from the Juno Hair Salon in Seoul was crowned the gold medal winner. He will receive a comprehensive PR package that includes recognition in a beauty publication in his home country. The silver medal went to Iryna Fraiuk from Salon S&A Group in Ukraine and bronze went to Wuthichai Krajaipoch from the Woo . . . K . . . Hair Salon in Thailand—who will both receive a pair of Tondeo shears. "The Wella International Trend Vision Awards showcase the best in young talent," said Susanne Stein, who heads up Professional Services for Wella Professionals. "We are proud to support emerging talent with an award that gives hairstylists creative leeway to interpret the latest in hair trends." —K.D.

Mizani Presents Chrisette Michele on Tour

Mizani, a professional brand for textured hair, announced its sponsorship of Island/ Def Jam Recording Artist Chrisette Michele's 2007–2008 tour. In partnership with the tour, Michele will promote Mizani's involvement with the Hairdressers Unlocking Hope initiative, which raises money to build Habitat for Humanity homes in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Mizani stylists will style the recording artist's hair with Mizani products before her performances. The union kicked off on September 25 with the private concert, "Mizani Presents Chrisette Michele," in New York City. —A.L.



Elite Salon Systems' Year of Care Proves a Huge Success

Elite Salon Systems, a wholesale beauty supply distributor in South Florida, did something amazing in 2007. The company named 2007 its "Year of Care" to honor Linda Martens, Elite's founder, who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2006, and set a goal of raising a whopping $100,000 over the year for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Through various fundraising events held throughout the year and with the help of many hairdressers and industry professionals, the goal was accomplished.



"If, through the money we raised at Elite, we can help one mother, one daughter, one woman detect her cancer in its early stages and save her from the pain my mom experienced, all of the hard work we put into fundraising will have paid off," said Sherri Martens, Linda's daughter who is now the company's owner.

Elite kicked off its Year of Care by launching a collection of gear featuring the Year of Care logo, including T-shirts, a messenger bag and a cadet hat. Profits from sales went to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in honor of Linda. Elite Salon Systems also rallied regional salons to simultaneously host 15 cut-a-thons on February 25 and October 21. Top stylists donated their time and talents to help meet the goal. The highlight of the year, however, was the much-anticipated Pink Gala at Flavour Nightclub in Miami. The extravagant and fun evening raised more than $19,000.

Hats off to Elite Salon Systems and everyone who took part to make the campaign a huge success. —C.W.

American Crew Opening Night '08

Customarily held in Denver in January, American Crew Opening Night 2008 is heading to Chicago, where the much-anticipated show will debut on Saturday, March 1, in the Vista Ballroom at McCormick Place during America's Beauty Show. With a theme of "A Moment in Style Defined" (think Rat Pack and film noir), the sophisticated soiree will inspire and excite with an evening of exciting men's styling, drinks and dancing. To find more information, visit www.americancrew.com. —K.D.

American Crew Opening Night was a huge success last year.
American Crew Opening Night was a huge success last year.

FHI Heat in the United Kingdom

In October, Les Haverty, artistic director of FHI Heat, and Gary Sunderland of the FHI Heat Design Team, performed alongside Adee Phelan, celebrity stylist to such clients as David Beckham, at the Hair Tools Main Stage, during the Salon International 2007 Show at the Excel Center in England. Haverty provided styling tips and presented the latest collection of FHI styles and cuts before thousands of stylists who attended the inspirational, three-day event. He also met the Hair Tools team to introduce them to the latest FHI products. "With the aid of David Brunton, owner of Hair Tools and exclusive importer of FHI Heat to the United Kingdom, FHI has solidly become the number-two brand in the country in three short years," Haverty said. —A.L.

FHI Artistic Team member Gary Sunderland, owner of Hair Tools David Brunton, celebrity stylist Adee Phelan and FHI Heat's Les Haverty at Salon International 2007 in England.
FHI Artistic Team member Gary Sunderland, owner of Hair Tools David Brunton, celebrity stylist Adee Phelan and FHI Heat's Les Haverty at Salon International 2007 in England.

Matrix Men Supports AIDS Foundation

Celebrity golfers, including Joe Pesci, Chris O'Donnell and Michael Chiklis, recently joined together at the Lakeside Golf Club in Burbank, CA, for the 9th Annual Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation Celebrity Golf Classic presented by Matrix Men. The event raised nearly $800,000 to support the foundation's work to win the fight against pediatric HIV/AIDS. Guests received a Matrix Men-branded Nike Golf shoe bag filled with products and a golf ball bag with Matrix Men and Tiger Woods brand golf balls. After a day of golf, guests attended a cocktail reception, dinner and live auction, hosted by Sharon Stone. —N.P.



Ann Mincey Receives Inspiration Award

Redken's Ann Mincey, vice president of global communications, was recently honored with Intercoiffure America/Canada's Inspiration Award at The Waldorf Astoria in New York City. The award recognizes outstanding service to the professional beauty industry. "Ann Mincey has worked tirelessly to help salon professionals achieve their full potential, both as cosmetologists and as persons," said Lois Christie, president of Intercoiffure America/Canada. "She inspires not only with her message, but also by her example." —N.P.

Ann Mincey
Ann Mincey

Joico Helps Save the Music

Joico recently sent Ben Mullin, finalist on Bravo's Shear Genius, to VH1's star-studded "Save the Music" gala in New York City to provide last-minute touch-ups for all of the performing artists and presenters. Joico donated K-PAK Shampoo & Conditioner for the event's gift bags, given to more than 1,000 guests. The Save the Music Foundation works to raise money to restore and sustain instrumental music programs in 1,500 public schools in more than 100 cities around the country, and to date, the nonprofit organization has provided $40 million in new musical instruments. —N.P.



K-Pak Turns 30!

This month not only marks the beginning of a new year, but also an industry milestone: the 30th anniversary of Joico K-PAK Deep Penetrating Reconstructor, a product that has achieved cult status. "It's the epitome of a classic," said Damien Carney, Joico international artistic director. "When a product stays on top this long, you know it's got to be the best." According to Joico, one tube is sold around the world every five seconds and more than 10 million tubes total have been sold. This year, Joico will issue a commemorative K-PAK Deep Penetrating Reconstructor tube that highlights the product's 30-year legacy of healthy hair. —C.W.



Lisap and Pirri Salons Form Lisap Academy

Lisap USA and Pirri Salons have joined together to form Lisap Academy, which will feature seminars on advanced color and cutting techniques using Lisap products. The seminars will take place at two Pirri Salon locations in New York and Connecticut. For more information, call 914/395-1700 for the New York class and 203/869-4500 for the Connecticut class. —N.P.