Our Australian talent is representing our local industry well across the world, with our own national talents, Amy Gaudie and Sam James of Queensland’s Urban Chic and Adelaide’s SJ Establishment respectively, named as finalists in the Canadian hair awards.
Named the Contessa Awards, or the Contessas, both hairdressers are finalists in the International Hairdresser of the Year category at the event, taking up two of the five slots.
“I am absolutely dumbstruck at being one of only five international hairdressers nominated as a finalist for this amazing international title, particularly with Sam and I flying the Aussie flag, and truly didn’t anticipate it,” Amy said.
Amy was recognised for her Eclecticism collection while Sam was honoured for LIMITLES5, and both of these collections have been awarded closer to home too. Eclecticism won the 2021 AHIAs Creative QLD Hairdresser of the Year award, while LIMITLES5 was nominated for Australian Hairdresser of the Year.
“Bringing this collection to life was such a beautiful experience; each model had their own flavour, highlighting the female form and allowing me, through the medium of hair, to capture them as the empowered women they are,” Amy said.
“This collection was about pushing my work to new limits, advancing my skills, embracing challenges and achieving new milestones,” Sam said. “With inventive ponytails, innovative colour techniques and a unique location, LIMITLES5 was born. Exaggerated shapes and movement evoke emotion and appreciation for every detail.”
The Contessas have been the gold standard in Canadian hair awards since 1998, judging on editorial work by a panel of judges comprising beauty editors, photographers and celebrity hairstylists. Winners will be announced at a hybrid gala event in Toronto, CA on Sunday 7th November 2021.
Good luck to our Aussie stars!
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