On Sunday, 26th March, American Crew Australia announced their Australian winner of the 2017 American Crew All Star Challenge. Taking the 2017 title is Ben Kane from Rokk Man Barbers.
The twenty finalists were announced on the night prior to the winner announcement, at Cargo Hall in Melbourne’s South Wharf. 350 American Crew guests attended the night hosted by The Journal’s David Mannah. Attendees were treated to cocktails, canapés and dancing, in addition to a runway show.
25 models took to the runway, highlighting American Crew’s 2017 Americana collection, the new SHAVE range from American Crew to be launched this April, with stylised concepts and interpretations of a 1940s classic men’s grooming look.
The twenty finalists were announced highlighting the 2017 men’s grooming talent of the country, with a variety of looks featuring fades, curls and classic bespoke barbering techniques.
American Crew All Star and judge of the 2017 American Crew All Star Challenge, Phoenix Thomson, said “This year’s talent surpassed all expectations and highlights the vision and talent of Australian hairdressers and barbers”.
“What I loved most about this year’s entries, was the amount of looks that stood alone and took a risk. We are in a unique phase in fashion where both long looks and tight fades are equally in demand. To see variations and amalgamations of these looks, all interpreted with fashion-forward thinking is really inspiring”, said Thomson.
Winner, Ben Kane of Rokk Man Barbers will be heading off to Brussels to attend the 2017 Revlon Style Masters, and American Crew International showcase. If selected as an international finalist, Ben will have the opportunity to compete against 14 of the world’s leading men’s hair stylists in the International All Star Challenge, and shoot with David Raccuglia. The global winner will walk away with the $10K (USD) cash prize and a montage of media and press coverage.
Managing Director of Revlon Professional Brands and American Crew, Matthew Kilty said “This year’s event was beyond exceptional. The industry is really taking notice of what we do and American Crew is the foundation of the new influence that barber skills is having in our industry. We are really proud and very humbled to be producing events such as these”.
The after-party kicked off next door at Plus 5, in Melbourne’s South Wharf. The 15 global finalists will be announced on April 3rd prior to the Style Masters show in Brussels in May.