CONTACT ME MORE HEATHER’S HIGHLIGHTS

TRENDVISION AWARD 2007 UK FINALISTS

The 2006 Wella Trend Vision Award International Winner was Aurelio Ramos de Oliveira from Facto Cabeleireiro (Fact Hairdresser) in Lisbon.

This is where it all starts; new trends are discovered through the work of talented hair-dressers. From the four regional heats, twenty-eight finalists have earned their place in the much anticipated final of the Wella Professionals Trend Vision Award 2007. The event takes place on Saturday 13th October at the ExCeL Exhibition Centre, London and the winner will go forward to represent the UK in the International Final, Barcelona on 28th October. What better way to showcase the latest ideas and looks - each stylist is required to express their individual interpretation of one of four key trends: Nordic Serenity, Rustic Deluxe, Pop Culture or Sensual Intrigue. It's a blending of hair and fashion to create a visual impact that speaks for itself.

On the night there will be a drinks reception, gala dinner, top celebrity host, announcement of winners, entertainment and a party. To celebrate the very best in British Hairdressing, a catwalk show featuring: Angels, Bloww, D&J; Ambrose, Daniel Adams, Frances Hunter, Francesco Group, Hob Salons, Ishoka, Ken Picton, Marc Antoni, Michael Van Clarke, Ocean, Nicky Clarke, Patrick Cameron, PKAI, Realhair, SACO, Sassoon Academy, Strangeways, Toni & Guy. The contestants are required to use their models to interpret one of a choice of four key trends:

Nordic Serenity: Explores the beauty of simplicity and the power of purity, opening up a spiritual space where new technology meets the new tranquillity, enhancing our sense of self, at peace with our neighbours and our environment.

Rustic Deluxe: Reconnects us with our primordial roots. We celebrate elemental beauty, enjoying fashion, food and furnishings that are raw yet refined. This primitive sophistication grounds us, arouses us and comforts us.

Pop Couture: Is young, fun, bold and colour-fantastic. A kaleidoscope experience where colours collide, shapes shift and the essence of 60s style is given a 2007 twist.

Sensual Intrigue: Marks the staging of a rare kind of luxurious glamour, darkly and dangerously alluring. East meets West, showcasing a particular style of contemporary sensuality that's decadent, hypnotic and eternally nocturnal.

The most popular choice of category was Pop Couture and this is reflected in the high number of finalists from this section. It was close between Nordic Serenity and Sensual Intrigue as the next favourite categories. Whilst Rustic Deluxe only tempted a handful of entries and has just 1 finalist. All the hairdressers involved in the competition have had great support from their salon teams and everyone gets caught up in the excitement and buzz. Here are the finalists and some images of the inspiring looks they presented in the regional finals. Pick who you think has created a winning 'look' and email the stylist's name to heather@ukhairdressers.com (only 1 vote per person). We'll reveal who you chose as UKHairdressers favourite in our next write-up following the great Trend Vision Award night in October: SOUTHERN Regional Finalists:

Daniel Spiller Marc Antoni Henley-on-Thames Trend: Nordic Serenity He says: Bruno Giamettei, my manager and salon owner has been a great mento, imparting his wealth of knowledge to me. Entering the Trend Vision Award this year has pushed me to my creative limits. I am astounded and delighted to be heading to the UK Final.

Emma Hodgkins TONI&GUY; Chelsea Trend: Sensual Intrigue She says: Entering the Wella Professionals Trend Vision Award has made me really step back and take inspiration from the world around, allowing me to focus on the key trends of the moment. It would be a dream come true to win this year's Trend Vision Award UK Final.

Gabby Cooper Martin Gold Stanmore Trend: Sensual Intrigue She says: Creating a total look gives a fantastic opportunity to express my own interpretation of the key trends. As far as having a great mentor, Martin Gold, my manager has been truly inspirational. It would be unbelievable to win the Wella Professionals Trend Vision Award!

Jude Bale Strangeways Leigh-on-Sea Trend: Pop Couture She says: Creating my Pop Couture look worked a dream using the Wella Professionals range of styling products; they provided the shine I needed and gave funkiness to the overall look. I have learned that preparation is key to creating a total look and I hope that this will give me the edge when it comes to the UK Final.

Louis Greer The Industry Poole Trend: Nordic Serenity He says: This is the first time I have entered the Wella Professionals Trend Vision Award and I am thrilled to have won through to the UK Final. I have gained so much experience through entering and I would be delighted if I win the UK Final and have the opportunity to represent the UK in Barcelona.

Maria Marques TONI&GUY; Clapham Junction She says: My manager and team have been a great support throughout the competition and are as excited as I am to be heading to the UK Final. And, it's not only the team's support that has been overwhelming, it's been great telling my customers too. I feel like a real star. It would be my proudest moment to win the Wella Professionals Trend Vision Award.

Thomas Berry Essensuals Covent Garden Trend: Pop Couture He says: Since entering the Wella Professionals Trend Vision Award it has opened my eyes to different trends and how to interpret the hair. I feel really positive about the future and it means the world to me to be part of the UK Final.

MIDLANDS Regional Finalists:

Lauren Clifford Keith Hall Leicester Trend: Pop Couture She says: Less is more. That's my theory and I hope it proves a good one in the UK Final. I have the backing and support of my manager Darren Messias who has been there for me every step of the way. It is scary to be heading for the Final, but I'm staying positive and focused.

Lisa Wilde Francesco Group Cheltenham Trend: Sensual Intrigue She says: It's been great to have another opportunity to show my work on stage and it allows me to inspire and motivate my salon team. Wella Professional products give outstanding results every time and allow me to be creative and confident in my work.

Rebecca Evans Francesco Group Eccleshall Trend: Pop Couture She says: I have really focused on my cutting and colouring skills since entering the competition. It's even sparked an interest in the history of hair and I have taken great inspiration from this. I would be ecstatic, overwhelmed and positively speechless if I make the International Final.

Ryan Wood Richardsons Northampton Trend: Pop Couture He says: This is the second year I have entered the Wella Professionals Trend Vision Award and the competition is really getting exciting. My assistant has been very supportive and helpful. I have created a winning look to take me through to the UK Final.

Sarah Weston Chartz Hair & Beauty Swindon Trend: Sensual Intrigue She says: So much hard work goes into preparing a model and entering a competition, but getting this far has given me the impetus to go on and really prove I can do it. The entire team has helped with all different aspects of the competition and I'm hoping this will stand me in good stead for the final.

Vicki Owens Keith Hall Nottingham Trend: Pop Couture She says: I entered the Wella Professionals Trend Vision Award to gain experience in competition work and I have learnt so much already. My confidence has grown considerably and I cannot wait for the UK Final.

Emily Hendzel AKA Professional Hairdressing Bristol Trend: Nordic Serenity She says: I have enjoyed experimenting with new ideas in colour and cut and feel more passionate than ever about hairdressing. I have the full support from my team and my make-up artist Laura Lear has kept me calm and motivated throughout the competition so far.

NORTHERN Regional Finalists:

Adam Sands Zerofour Hairdressing Wirral Trend: Pop Couture He says: Since being a part of the Wella Professionals Trend Vision Award. I've found it a great talking point with clients. I feel really proud and my boss and team are backing me all the way. I've never entered this particular competition before, but I'm hooked now and hope I can make my salon proud at the UK Final.

Amy Thompson North for Men Leeds Trend: Sensual Intrigue She says: It's great to be a part of such a big competition, particularly seeing how others have interpreted the four key trends. The Wella Professionals Trend Vision Award has given me something to aim for, something to achieve and already I can see my inner talent coming out. It would be an astounding personal achievement to win the UK Final.

Anthony O'Brien Spencer Hair Company Liverpool Trend: Pop Couture He says: It's a fantastic sense of achievement having come this far in the competition. I chose the Pop Couture trend for the Regional Heats because of its energy and lively colour. I entered the Wella Professionals Trend Vision Award back in 2004 and hope that this time I can go all the way.

Danielle Hollis Air Hairdressing Hull Trend: Pop Couture She says: Creating the Pop Couture trend for the Regional Heat has really pushed me to try new colour ideas. I have the backing of my team and have found the experience to be both rewarding and a challenge. If I win the UK Final, I will be walking on air!

Gareth Curley Bliss Hairdressing Stockport Trend: Pop Couture He says: The sheer motivation of being part of the Trend Vision Award gives me a real buzz. It would be amazing to get to Barcelona and represent the UK. As far as colour goes, I'm hoping Wella's vibrant, glossy long-lasting formula, will prove a winning formula for the Final!

Holly Thompson TONI&GUY; York Trend: Pop Couture She says: I am over the moon to be part of the Wella Professionals Trend Vision Award. It's given me new direction and I feel really positive and motivated. I have chosen to recreate my Pop Couture look for the UK Final and hop the bold statement of my look will prove a winner.

Michelle Beirne Stuart James Hairdressing Manchester Trend: Rustic Deluxe She says: The Wella Professionals Trend Vision Award has opened my eyes in new ways and it is great to be able to branch out, explore my creativity and work with professional models. The idea of taking part in the International Final is a dream; I would love to be a part of something so inspirational. It would allow me to push my boundaries to the absolute limit.

SCOTTISH Regional Finalists:

Ashley Ann Johnstone Hair Directory Glasgow Trend: Pop Couture She says: I have loved every minute of the Wella Professionals Trend Vision Award and putting m y stamp on the trend has given me the confidence to really go forward and make my mark at the UK Final. I chose the Pop Couture trend for the Regional Heats and created a dynamic, upbeat look, I would be ecstatic to go to Barcelona for the International Final.

Bev Johnston McIntyres Dundee Trend: Sensual Intrigue She says: I have chosen to interpret Nordic Serenity for the UK Final and hope that I can achieve great colour for my look. The Trend Vision Award has re-ignited my enthusiasm and passion for hairdressing making me really proud of the work I have achieved so far.

Jon Walker Slate Dumfries He says: I love to push my creative boundaries to the limit and the Trend Vision Award has allowed me to do exactly that. Having a change from the daily routine has been great for motivation too and my confidence levels have zoomed sky high knowing I have been selected to be part of the UK Final. I would be honoured to get the chance to represent the UK in the International Final.

Kim Campbell Kalos Inverness Trend: Pop Couture She says: I really feel ready for the challenge, and the Trend Vision Award has given me the drive and determination to do my best at the UK Final. I have a strong passion for creative hairdressing and would be on top of the world if chosen for the International Final.

Seanne Lilley Angels Glasgow Trend: Pop Couture She says: I feel really proud that my individual thoughts on the Pop Couture trend have won me a place in the UK Final. From the moment I decided to enter the competition I have really taken on board the whole notion of "trends" and how they can be interpreted in my day to day work on the salon floor.

Paul Paterson Ishi Salon Edinburgh Trend: Pop Couture He says: Being part of the Wella Professionals Trend Vision Award has been a great learning curve; I've learnt a lot about finding and choosing the right model and getting the right photographer for the job.

Lori Duffus LCTG Elgin Trend: Pop Couture She says: It's great to have won through to the UK Final. I feel I've really gained great competition experience and it's great for future career progression. I chose Pop Couture for the Regional Heats and hope I can replicate this funky, lively and energetic trend for the UK Final.

Article by Heather Bell.