ONSTAGE: FASHION FIRSTS

FASHION FIRSTS

THE AUSTRALIAN HAIR FASHION AWARDS OFFERED ENTHRALLING HAIR FASHION, MOMENTOUS AWARDS AND A NIGHT OF CELEBRATION TO FINISH 2021, WRITES SHANNON GUSS.

2021 for the hairdressing community ended in the best possible way, with the gala event celebrating the Australian Hair Fashion Awards (AHFAs) congregating the industry near and far, celebrating immense talent and giving guests a much-needed opportunity to party after a difficult year.

Sloans Team with Ludovic Dellazeri, ghd

22 award titles were delineated into groups of Creative, State, Product and Business categories, as well as the pinnacle Hairdresser of the Year title. Congratulations to Hairdresser of the Year Hermiz of Joey Scandizzo Salon, who took to the stage and heralded the significance of hair art to cheers from the crowd.

Many of the winners were in the room of 600, however, as is always true of current times, many celebrated in their home towns and joined via livestream, like Salon of the Year Cirlces of Hair who were partying in Western Australia, Brisbane’s Damian Gray whose shocked face took over the big screen and Adelaide’s Lauren Cooper who was joined behind the lens by her pup, a crowd favourite.

Mariam Seddiq X Dyson X 2020 - 2021 FAME Team led by Lauren McCowan

On stage, NSW/ACT Hairdresser of the Year Jordan Hone had the audience in tears as he honoured the words his father used to motivate him to persevere, as his father watched touchingly from the audience. Industry legend Natalie Anne picked up two trophies, for Digital Influencer and Transformation Stylist, and business acumen, product innovation and education were recognised as well.

Natalie Anne

Beyond so many major award highlights, the event was a welcome opportunity to have some fun. Partnering with Dyson, hair art and fashion were a focus, and the proceedings began with an awe-inspiring fashion show that collaborated with fashion titans Mariam Seddiq and Steven Khalil. The structured, bright pieces by Mariam Seddiq were complemented by Avant Garde hair fashion looks by the 2020 – 2021 FAME Team led by Lauren McCowan, while Steven Khalil’s always dreamy take on glitz and glamour was styled by editorial icon and Dyson Hair Ambassador Renya Xydis.

Hermiz

The important night was bookended by must-attend arrival and after parties, sponsored by Thryv and K18 respectively, where the industry finally had their chance to catch up after months of separation and let loose with some drinks and dessert.

The formal event was hosted by renowned presenter Erin Holland and treated guests to entertainment by musical powerhouse Ricki- Lee, who had the audience out of their chairs and dancing midshow. Celebrities such as Delta Goodrem and Bachelor couple Holly Kingston and Jimmy Nicholson were in attendance and sharing on social media to support the hair industry.

Steven Khalil X Dyson X Renya Xydis

Putting 2021 behind us all with a bang, the AHFAs were the exact antidote needed to lockdowns, border closures and shut salons, leading the way by highlighting the talent, camaraderie, connection and pure fun that is the hair community. On to 2022.