Joseph Debrincat from Foxy Salon in Beaconsfield has been announced as the International Beauty Stylist Awards winner for 2014 this month. He is the second Australia/ New Zealand winner in 3 years and was competing against the national winners of 22 countries for the much sought-after title. The ceremony was hosted in Paris and started with a tour of the beautiful La Biosthetique Paris headquarters in the former Armani building opposite the Arc de Triomphe.

The event went on at the famous VIP Room nightclub in the heart of Paris, where Creative Directors, Stephane Galleon and Alexander Dinter, put on a French Style Icons show before the big announcement. The audience was taken on a journey from the 1920s through the 60s featuring soft, sexy styles with a modern edge before the stage was taken over by flamboyant dancing girls.

Joseph’s winning work represented perfectly what La Biosthetique is about – simple sophistication with an edge. Ruth Browne, Chair of the Australian judging panel described his work as showing exemplary technical skills with on-trend colour combining rich browns with a fashion magenta combination. Said Joseph of his work, “I loved the freedom of expression I had with my model. From styling to cut and colour, I had complete artistic control over the every aspect of the look. Having the competition set in Paris, the fashion capital of the world, was a perfect backdrop for the artistic competition and such an inspiration. I also enjoyed learning about the history behind La Biosthetique.

When he was asked what he loved about this competition, Joseph said that it was unique having the opportunity to put his work up against so many different countries and mingle with such broad cultures: “Winning the International Beauty Stylist Award has given me the chance to showcase my creative inspiration on a world stage and work with some amazing artists from all corners of the globe.

-TJ