Aveda Australia Announce 2018 Colour Harmony Winners

Overlooking Melbourne’s picturesque Albert Park the Aveda family gathered for some wellness techniques, requisite dancing and the announcement of Australia’s 2018 Colour Harmony winners. Ranging from categories of the ultimate Colour Harmony winner, to Men’s, New Talent, Editorial, Digital and Salon Collection, the competition had every facet of creative and commercial hair covered, celebrating the winners and finalists for their extraordinary talent.

The judging panel was comprised of Aveda’s own esteemed global artistic director Ian Michael Black who travelled for the awards from the US, local editorial hair legend Alan White and INSTYLE editor Cameron Pine, speaking to the relationship between the two brands, our dual commitment to discovering talent and INSTYLE’s media partnership with the event. The trio spent the day viewing live model recreations and presentations to make their decision for the ultimate winners. Prizes included editorial representation and a shoot in INSTYLE, product and tool prize packs and a trip to Aveda Congress in Minnesota later in the year for the overall Colour Harmony winner.

On stage, laughs, education and inspiration were all in order. From the opening address and Aveda mantra from Aveda general manager Clint Piper, to education on the brand’s latest innovations and shine treatments, live model looks included, from Ian Michael Black. Boomerangs, dances and Mexican waves were of course part of the proceedings thanks as always to Frank Cannataro, while Cameron and Alan took to the stage to present awards and speak to the level of talent they had witnessed that day and what it means for the industry.

The proceedings saw live model recreations brought out on stage to be admired, and every finalist mentioned, called out and given trophies, taking to the stage to be photographed with the hosts, guests and their work. Yes we were there to discover the winners, but in the Aveda tribe sometimes winning feels like a culture that pervades the entire brand.

Cameron Pine introduces editorial finalists

You would expect nothing less of Aveda that each finalist was cheered with a rousing response from the room, specific individual business milestones for Aveda salons were mentioned on stage and the joy from each important win was palpable. Adding to the party atmosphere, the gorgeous Aveda floral photo wall, an all-night DJ, delicious canapes and an endless supply of drinks saw out the party that is Colour Harmony in expectant and always enjoyable fashion.

Melbourne and Greenfield Albert Park, with windows that opened up and looked out onto the beautiful scenery from the room at large, proved the ideal locale, and finalists travelled from all corners of the country to network with old friends and celebrate themselves and Aveda. From the laughs, vibe and endless chatter that pervaded the evening, we were reminded that talent is key but culture is crucial, and Aveda has that winning culture in spades. Drink in hand, with salon friends old and new around you, it was hard not to feel like a winner.

Congratulations to the winners listed below.

New Talent:

Amber O’Donnell – Element Aveda Lifestyle