Wonderland 2023 lived up to its reputation as the party the hair industry deserves, taking place on the Sunday night of Hair Festival and immersing guests in a dreamlike environment that took over Sydney’s The Establishment Bar.
Surrounded by installations of giant flowers and mushrooms, transformative lighting and sparkly photo walls, with theming by the Merivale Styling Team, attendees partied all night with a DJ, live vocalists and musicians through DJ Cadell and The Collective and AV by Sinewave. Creative food options with roving canapes and a bao station and an open bar of free-flowing drinks were the ideal refreshments through the night.
A 360-degree photobooth, bold installations and consistent entertainment added to the energy of the evening. Dancers via Luxe Entertainment mingled with the crowd, posed for pictures and performed a Lady Gaga themed dance – you could find dancers in neon lights and wings or dressed entirely as disco halls dancing around the venue. The frivolities and festivities were captured by O’Neil’s Photographics and videography by Jaime Bolla.
“Hair Festival Wonderland 2023 exceeded even our wildest expectations,” shared Hair Festival Director Renita Collins. “The energy on the dancefloor and through the venue kept the party going all night and we’ve been so pleased with the phenomenal feedback from attendees. It’s such an honour to provide a celebration for the amazing hair industry and give everyone the chance to let their hair down in such a busy weekend. We’re already looking forward to 2024!”
The celebration component of two days of Hair Festival spent learning, shopping, competing and connecting, Wonderland has become an unmissable feature on the hairdressing calendar that’s only getting better.
What the attendees said:
Nadine Johns-Alcock, Showpony
Entering the Wonderland party was like being immersed in a magical play land with giant sculptures, interactive technology and vivid lighting. The drinks were free-flowing and the global menu of food was delicious and plentiful, but nothing prepared me for how mesmerising the band was. They played a killer set that left me sweaty and with sore feet but an enormous grin. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to share this with my grateful Education team.
Trish Spessa, Fluid The Colour Salon
Hair Festival put on the party of the year, the venue and atmosphere was so fun! It was the talk of Hair Festival the next day, with some saying it was the best party in 30 years of hair expo events.
Pete Walstab, Excellent Edges
I didn’t think it would be possible to beat last year’s Wonderland party but on this occasion I am glad to be proven wrong. What an epic night, with great food, venue and entertainment. My feet and liver are still in recovery mode.
Kristian Tognini, Tognini’s
Wonderland lived up to its reputation as the party of Hair Festival weekend. Socialising with the best of the best of the industry was amazing. Drinks were flowing and the band had us dancing, as Lionel Richie would say “all night long”.
Elizabeth Sweet, De Lorenzo
Wonderland was amazing. It was just so nice to see all the industry together and lots of young people. We’ve been in industry for a long time so it was really nice to see that next generation coming up, and really embracing our hair industry. I think the team did an amazing job. I look after a regional part of Australia and a lot of regional people came with, and some of them can be little bit overwhelmed because these are country hairdressers but they felt so welcomed and they felt really excited about the industry.
Sandra Milionis, Artègo
Walking in the door set the scene, the energy flowed, it was just a fun environment, it’s the people that make it when you’re celebrating the industry. I loved it, the food was amazing and the waiters were so lovely. The customer service, the energy and the vibe were all incredible from the moment you walked in. It’s so meaningful to connect, we’re all out there working so hard and it’s just our time to celebrate this amazing industry.
For more information visit www.hairfestival.com.au
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