Bringing Down the House

Aveda took education to a whole new level in April when it hosted an event that was as instructive as it was historic. "Eve—A Celebration of Women in Beauty" was the first-ever educational event to exclusively celebrate women in the professional beauty industry. It was presented in unison by two Aveda distribution partners, Neill Corporation and The Salon People, and held in the Jackie Gleason Theater in Miami Beach, FL. "This was a landmark event for us and for Aveda," said Debra Neill, CEO of Neill Corporation. "Women have been contributing to the beauty industry for years, and now it's time to recognize their work. I'm honored to have brought these inspiring women together on one stage to share their passion and talents."

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Dylan Sit shapes a short haircut; Antoinette Beenders at work; Vivienne Mackinder's model onstage; Gina Derry with model; Rita Rusk (center) backstage; Leslie Munsell's model; one of  Vivienne Mackinder's models shows off a finished look
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Dylan Sit shapes a short haircut; Antoinette Beenders at work; Vivienne Mackinder's model onstage; Gina Derry with model; Rita Rusk (center) backstage; Leslie Munsell's model; one of Vivienne Mackinder's models shows off a finished look

With presenters assembled from around the world, the show rivaled any other in terms of creativity, inspiration and education. Hairdressing legend and four-time North American Hairstylist of the Year Vivienne Mackinder kicked off the event with an inspirational segment that incorporated everything from razor cuts to Marcel waves to asymmetrical shapes. Dylan Sit, an Aveda Purefessional and creative director of Canada's Civello Salon and Spas, demonstrated one of the cuts from Aveda's Spring/Summer Collection, "Changing Light." Other presenters included Leslie Munsell, the team from Van Michael Miami, Gina Derry, Marjorie Clarke, Lisa Vann, Rita Rusk and Antoinette Beenders, Aveda's global creative director. She opened the final show on the first day by demonstrating a Joan of Arc cut from her recent "Pure Dutch" collection, and her finale, with a trio of Marie-Antoinette–inspired models, brought the house down as always.