THANK YOU LUIS.
Americas Beauty Show is a registered trademark of Cosmetologists Chicago.
KRISTEN ERICKSON ON WORKING WITH LUIS ALVAREZ
When you collaborate with Luis Alvarez, you're not just working with a professional; you're partnering with a true master and an icon in the beauty industry. I often say that talking with him is like tapping into a wealth of knowledge—just a few minutes of conversation can leave you inspired. His energy is contagious; I’ve joked that when we team up, we could power a small planet!
I've seen Luis welcome countless beauty school students into our industry, highlighting how important America's Beauty Show is for every aspiring professional. He often reminds us, "We are all forever students. Always keep learning and take notes." That's great advice!
Every time I show up for a shoot, I feel excited to meet the talented group Luis has carefully selected to bring our vision to life. Icons like Ann Bray and others have joined our projects, each a master in their own right. The amount of planning that goes into each shoot is impressive, and after the introductions, I can’t wait to see the magic Luis and his team will create.
Once we start shooting, it’s all about focus. The team, a well-oiled machine of beauty experts, won’t stop until they get the perfect shot. While they have everything meticulously planned, they also remain flexible, ready to adapt if inspiration strikes. I remember one shoot where I stood nervously in the middle of a busy Chicago street as Luis captured a model on a bridge, with cars rushing by, including a police paddy wagon. For me, it was a heart-pounding experience, but for Luis, it was just another challenge to get that perfect shot.
Even when everyone is tired, the team finds a way to push through, often fueled by a quick Starbucks break, to achieve perfection. Each shot becomes a unique masterpiece, and the feeling of capturing those breathtaking images is incredibly rewarding. Together, our collaboration has led to winning 19 design awards, a testament to the creativity and dedication we share.
Thank you, Luis, for your unwavering support over the years. You are one of America's Beauty Show's greatest supporters, helping us build our brand and achieve success year after year. It has been a true honor to work with you.
Reflecting on my 30-year career in Graphic Design and Creative Direction, I can confidently say that working with Luis Alvarez and his incredible crew has been the highlight. This booklet showcases a spread ad for each year of America's Beauty Show, highlighting the creative journey we shared from 2009 to 2019.
Congratulations Luis on winning the 2025 Fred A. Piattoni Award for Industry Service at America's Beauty Show 2025! You truly deserve this recognition, my friend.
With gratitude and friendship,
CC Board of Directors - Cosmetologists Chicago
2019
Photography: Luis Alvarez for BaByliss PRO; Hair: Ann Bray & Nicole Gary for Aquage; Haircolor: Maybe Saylor for RUSK; Makeup: Wanda Alvarez for Satin Smooth; Nails: Lauri Allore for CND; Fashion Designer: Rocky Gathercole.
2017 2017
Photography: Luis Alvarez; Hair: Lala Todorovic; Makeup: Wanda Alvarez; Nails: Angi Wingle & Mike Burke of CND; Fashion Designer: Rocky Gathercole
Location: Master Sculptor Richard Hunt Studio
Americas Beauty Show is a registered trademark of Cosmetologists Chicago.
Photography: Luis Alvarez for Aquage Hair: Ann Bray for Aquage Make-up: Wanda Alvarez for Aquage
Nails: Angi Wingle for CND
Fashion Stylist: Patric Chauvez
Americas Beauty Show is a registered trademark of Cosmetologists Chicago.
Photography: Luis Alvarez of Aquage; Hair: Ann Bray for Aquage; Make-up: Wanda Alvarez; Fashion Stylist: Patric Chauvez; Nails: Angi Wingle of CND
Cosmetologists
Jenny Winton of The Joffrey Ballet of Chicago for ABS.
Photography: Luis Alvarez of Aquage
Hair: Ann Bray of Aquage; Make-up: Wanda Alvarez
Cosmetologists
ABS exclusive photo taken on the Ledge at The Skydeck, Willis Tower, Chicago.
Photography: Luis Alvarez of Aquage; Hair: Ann Bray, Shelly Devlin, Carly Campbell, Lala Todorovic of Aquage; Make-up: Wanda Alvarez; Nails: Angi Wingle of CND; Fashion Stylist: Patric Chauvez; Production: Don Wismer of Aquage. Americas Beauty Show is a registered trademark of Cosmetologists Chicago®
Photography: Luis Alvarez of Aquage Hair: Ann Bray, Shelly Devlin, Heaven Padgett, Carly Campbell and Thomas Smalley of Aquage
North Avenue Beach, Chicago
Photography: Luis Alvarez of Aquage, Hair: Ann Bray and Joe Paciorek, Make-up: Wanda Alvarez America’s Beauty Show is a registered trademark of Cosmetologists Chicago®
