A Thing of Beauty

It was a meeting of the masters as pro-beauty’s biggest leaders graced the stage at Intercoiffure’s Fall Atelier, held in NYC’s swanky and historic Waldorf Astoria hotel. Day One kicked off in full speed with an array of arresting presentations, including the Oribe team’s Journey to Mastery (its new educational program’s namesake), which highlighted the fringe cuts Global Brand Ambassador James Pecis created on runways just weeks before; Paul Mitchell’s Robert Cromeans, Angus Mitchell and company featuring color- popping wigs and unique cutting techniques; and Oscar Blandi for Wella Professionals, back-center-parting long locks only to twist them forward to transform hair into a chic turban— diamond brooch included. The day wrapped with celebratory drinks, a gala and Wella Professionals Global Ambassador Sonya Dove’s Burning Dreams presentation: a Mad Max meets Burning Man spectacle showcasing skin and nodding to a silvery future.

The artistry continued on Day Two, with a morning presentation from the Nouveau Creative Team led by Perry Monge, who presented FEMinMEN, a collection blending femininity with masculinity. Next, celebrity stylist Ted Gibson and team introduced Gibson’s upcoming luxe line Starring (launching first quarter 2017) while crafting a stunning regal collection inspired by the ’20s with a mix of ’70s disco flair. Following Gibson were David Kinigson and thedavidKspace Salon & Academy Creative Education Team for Artego Hair Color, discussing social media overload in “Think Before You Post...Social Media is the New Street!” In the same avenue, Kérastase presenter Alex Hunter, a branding and loyalty expert and former Head of Digital for the Virgin Group, spoke about ways to create loyal customers in a “connected” world where competition is high and people have tons of options at their fingertips. L’Oréal Professionnel’s The Art Form of “Lived-In” Hair by Johnny Ramirez and Anh Co Tran flaunted models rocking the duos’ signature lived-in hair techniques. Taking the stage after this dynamic duo was five-year-old aspiring stylist Magnolia Strebe, who demonstrated how to craft a curl-swoop low-textured bun while her mother—blogger and YouTube educator Jenny Strebe—proudly looked on. Taking the reins next were Rebecca Hiele and Shane Bennett for Goldwell with a collection inspired by the unity of hair and fashion—“It’s taking what we saw on the runway and bringing it to life,” says Hiele. To conclude Goldwell’s presentation, Sharon Blain’s Twisted Aura built on the fashion story with an avant-garde collection inspired by an Alexander McQueen exhibit.

Wrapping up two days’ worth of stunning looks and education knowledge, Aveda hosted a press luncheon where ICA Artistic Director Van Council and the Van Michael Salon Creative Team presented Revolution of Love, crafting edgy and fun hair designs and color techniques. The theme of the grand finale? Love. “Love is beyond race and sexuality and political and religious beliefs,” Council relates. “Our country is very divided, so we thought, ‘Let’s become a warrior for love.’ No matter what you believe, we’re really not that much different—we all want the same thing: love, peace and prosperity.” And beauty, too—which can be seen in all these forms, and more. —MOLLY CHURCH AND LAURA JANE STANDLEY