Following months of taut competition, hard work and creativity, L’Oréal Professionnel’s Australian Colour Trophy came to a dazzling crescendo, in the form of the national brand division’s 2018 Grand Finale.

Held inside The Palms at Crown, the glamorous event welcomed a string of talented hairdressers, media personnel, and name guests (including L’Oréal Professional Ambassador Dannii Minogue) to celebrate the brand’s 15 semi-finalists, and rising stars.

Emceed by Melbourne based comedian and presented Joel Creasey, the evening showcased each of the 2018 state-finalists’ winning hair looks, with stylists accompanying their models down a series of regionally segmented catwalks. Finalists were first tasked with recreating their work for a panel of expert judges (including Pacific Magazines Group Publisher, Jackie Frank and international Hair Artist, Guylaine Martel) before presenting their styled models to a 300+ crowd of onlookers.

Visionaries Damien Rinaldo and Justin Pace accompanied L’Oréal Professionnel’s ID Artistic Team in exhibiting a melange of hero hair looks, each styled and finished across the vibrantly lit stage. Drawing cues from the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s, the team would fashion a striking selection of period specific styles, from discothèque perms and de-constructed fringes, to twisted bouffants and loose, lengthy waves.

International Hair Artist and L’Oréal Professionel Stylist Guylaine Martel followed suit with an aptly Avant Garde Hair Showcase, ushering attendees through an enchanted dreamscape of fairy-tale proportions. Structure defying silhouettes accompanied wistful colour work; each look bearing evidence of the Canadian’s signature penchant for theatrics and artistry.

Taking out the evening’s highest honour was Ink for Hair’s Wendy Gunn, who’s pastel hued blunt bob secured her the title of National Colour Trophy Winner for 2018. “Being a part of this year’s L’Oréal Colour Trophy Awards has been the most incredible experience of my career,” mused Wendy; “Not only has it raised my profile in the industry, but it has also opened the door to so many opportunities.”

“It’s been an unrivalled experience, and to win means the adventure just continues, with the chance to travel and work with some of the best hair colourists from around the world.” Wendy will join her international Colour Trophy Counterparts at the International Awards leg in Paris, to be held early 2019. Look out for our shoot with Wendy in Issue 3 of The Journal Mag.

Winner: Wendy Gunn, Ink for Hair

First Runner Up: Courtney Treyvaud and Lyndal Salmon, Biba Academy

Second Runner Up: Danni Solier, Xiang Hair

Rising Star Winner: Alex Cordell, Rakis on Collins

Marie Claire Reader’s Choice Winner: Deeann Watt, Watt Style

Visit: http://www.lorealprofessionnel.com.au

Words by Daniela Maroun