THE FINAL COUNTDOWN: FAME ROUND 2 JUDGING

On Monday 13th February fourteen talented and very excited hairdressers from the length and breadth of Australia descended on La Biosthetique’s Waterloo Academie in Sydney, to push their passion for the industry to the max and show the esteemed panel of judges what they are made of and hopefully walk away with one of the four highly sought after places on the 2017 Australian FAME Team.

The fantastic fourteen took part in a LIVE skills demonstration in front of a coterie of top name industry judges: Sharon Blain, Leesa Smith, Richard Kavanagh, Jules Tognini, Sarah Laidlaw, Emiliano Vitale, Alex Fuchs, Brett Albury, Cameron Pine, Sandy Chong and FAME Team Creative Director Brett McKinnon.

With entries coming in from Perth to Brisbane, Adelaide to Canberra, the FAME programme prides itself on its inclusivity, encouraging hairdressers from town and country to stake their claim as Australia’s best next generation talent. Selection of the FAME Team is based on the individual merit of each artist irrespective of salon, state or brand affiliation.

THE FAME TEAM FINAL 14

Anmar Sahar Djurra Lifestyle, Perth

Brodie-Lee Stubbins Rokstar, Brisbane

Cara Mio Robinson Fruition, Brisbane

Claudia Cataldo Cataldo’s, Canberra

Dion Lee Andrew TONI&GUY Georges, Melbourne

Emily Alterator Fruition, Brisbane

Jamie Furlan Xiang Hair, Melbourne

Joe Ribera Visare Hair Studio, Sydney

Laura Hudson Laura Hudson Hair Design, Brisbane

Laura Spinney Académie Salon, Sydney

Marie Cain Head Studio, Perth

Shantelle Neate Fruition, Brisbane

Simone Jade Menenti Sloans of Lane Cove, Sydney

Tiffany Decaux Boris the Cuttery, Adelaide

The day consisted of a 3-part skills test: with one styling brief and two cutting briefs being revealed live on the day, followed by a live model presentation, where the entrants pre-prepared a model featuring their signature look. Here’s what the judges thought…

Jules Tognini “There was some bloody amazing talent in the room today. We saw a lot of rad cuts and some great stage work. You can really see how much they want it and they should all be so proud for getting this far. I am just glad I wasn’t competing against them, they would have wiped the floor with me.”

Richard Kavanagh said “I was really excited watching the finalists get to grips with and interpret the styling briefs, especially as one of them related to a show I had worked on. It was fascinating to see 14 very different interpretations. The guys worked really hard under pressure”

Creative Director Brett McKinnon adds “As with previous years, I am so thrilled with the four finalists which the judging panel selected. I am certain they will represent Australia in the most positive of lights both on a local and international stage and I can’t wait to kick off what will be a truly memorable year.”