Celebrating global artistry, our social presence and how to revive the hairdressing industry’s craft and career progression, an immense love descended on the industry with an appreciation for each other’s individual strengths, with MANE STAGE on October 27 filling an entire day of discovery with eight sessions and 34 industry experts on stage, writes Cameron Pine.
Hosted by TikTok sensation Sarah Emilia, as sponsored by Seamless1, and the man behind M Divison, David Mannah, a variety of perspectives came from learning in a room full of almost 950 peers, from colour placement to campaign inspiration, consultation tips, social media mastery and more.
Filling the Star events centre with our past, present and future industry leaders from near and far it was the ideal prelude to one of the biggest nights of the year – The Australian Hair Fashion Awards.
With incredible deals from brand partners and sponsors including a significant 30 per cent discount off a Dyson Supersonic R and giveaways throughout the day from KEVIN.MURPHY, Evo, Jadore Hair Extensions, Excellent Edges and so much more, there was energy and excitement through the entire day. There were at least six golden tickets under chairs throughout the day to not only keep guests feeling lucky but engaged.
Captivating the pure essence of each brand partner, allowing them to present their collection, styles, inspiration and their approach to the industry, MANE STAGE bought the diversity for every level of stylist, colourist and even the budding salon social media star.
First up was Destination Evo, showcasing their effortless and honest brand of cool in a motel inspired campaign featuring Jules Tognini, Belinda Mills and Nicole Kae – as hosted by Jay Kownacki. Each guest had a chance to speak about their role with Evo and their position on the brand team, from campaigns to product development and education. Built for free-thinkers and stylists not bound by the norm, the no-nonsense spirit of Evo shone through an impressive global campaign that brought the theatre and excitement of life and travel to the stage, showing us how the brand as they say, ‘saves ordinary humans from themselves’.
REDKEN’s Sheree Knobel, Kaine Vakai, Michael Kelly and Justin Pace took attendees into REDKEN’s beautiful world of liquid colour. Showcasing black, classic and beautiful commercial colour techniques that are in-demand, it was hard not to love the shine, gloss and versatility of REDKEN’s leading colour portfolio. Shades EQ, Colour Gels Oils and hair trends that are emerging in some of our nation’s hottest salons led a colour line-up of epic educational insights.
Davroe took to the stage with their distinctive editorial approach from an Australian, vegan and ethical brand making big waves internationally. Madison Voloshin and Jordan Robertson revealed their session secrets from London, Paris, New York and Australia wherever the brand has been represented, and gave a brief teaser ahead of the AHFA gala show. While still editorial, the focus was on some commercial inspiration mixed with creativity that set the scene for Monday.
“As creatives in the room we are our worst critic, we need to explore new waves of creating things – it actually helps us because next time we always take a different approach. It’s important to be different in hairdressing now,” Jordan said.
Next up was a truly creative showcase of the F.A.M.E team, embodying the creativity and individuality that can shine through a 12-month mentoring program that gives access to some of the best, including 2023 AHFA Australian Hairdresser of the Year and editorial genius that is Lauren McCowan. The 2024 Team, comprised of Gina Yates, Leanne Kay, Elle Coco and Madison Finn, were joined by Lyndal Salmon and Lauren McCowan for their inspiring session, showcasing their garnered skills from their journey as well as reflecting on their highlights from the invaluable time learning from the best. Later, F.A.M.E Team alumni from across the program’s run joined them on stage in a celebration of nurturing new talent.
Eugene Souleiman is one of fashion’s most prolific and inventive hair stylists, who has worked with some of the world’s most prominent fashion houses. While not there in presence, the audience was lucky enough to witness one of his latest videos that gave an insight and visuals into some of his great work and his educational Wig Academy. All guests at MANE STAGE were offered a 10 per cent off code for this hands-on and intimate educational opportunity.
Richard Kavanagh hit the stage with his relatable, honest and innovative approach to better understanding the customer and increasing retail. Using the TheHair.App, Richard spoke of the ‘12 steps to the ultimate customer experience’ and how, as an industry, we need to innovative our processes to keep growing revenue.
“How do we better design the booking system in order to get to where you want to be in your business – so it’s the ultimate experience and will reflect what it’s like to be in your chair?” Richard said. “There’s online, text, DM, walk-ins, so many different ways to make it simpler for someone to book and increase response time, and ultimately be accountable for the entire experience.”
Natalie Anne then joined the stage with her quintessentially relatable approach to content and social media with current and relevant tips on how to stop the scroll, keep your salon personality in your content and get results. Joining her on-stage was an impressive guest list, including Bo Guner, Dom Pelli, Hatem Kassem, Chantelle Spurling, Leah Iimmel, Nicole Taylor, Macy Hamka, Remi Jeffers, Kaine Vakai, Josie Morgan, Aiden Xydis and Kaatya May – bringing so many content styles, ideas and influences to a social media and trends masterclass with some of our biggest stars.
Also bringing an international guest to our shores for the first time in 12 years was Moroccanoil, with the funny, talented and highly entertaining Global Creative Director, Antonio Corral Calero, who was joined on-stage by Michael Beel, Richi Grisillo and Chinney Yeap. The program saved some real editorial styling banter and fun until the end of the day, using the latest Moroccanoil styling collection for its ultimate versatility and speaking to the incredible shine and condition of the Morocannoil colour portfolio. From colour to creative styling to that natural effortless hair Antonio is known for, there were tips from salon work to street.
“At Moroccanoil we are all about beautiful natural hair and having fun, but at the same time we have the power to inspire. I’ve been here for so long with the brand I think because of my honesty, I’m not trying to fake it – this is me, I hopefully will retire with this company,” a cheeky Antonio said.
An international guest that needs no introduction as the headliner of the program, Aveda’s Senior Vice President of Global Artistry, Antoinette Beenders, finished out the day of education on a high with an awe-inspiring showcase of her legendary work. In the true essence of Aveda, the room was filled with chakra balancing mist and a goosebump raising nature inspired introduction video that speaks to Aveda’s unique DNA.
“Knowledge of the whole is where the total look comes from. I believe it’s about who you work with and collaborate with, not just the hair. For example, like collaborating with Stella McCartney for all the fashion you see in this show for sustainability. She works with fabrics and designs that are sustainable,” Antoinette said.
“I’ve noticed there’s not much short hair in Australia and, just so you know, in the rest of the world, Paris, London and New York for example, a lot of hairdressers are cutting hair off. Shorter hair textures are becoming a big-trend. How do we keep our industry alive if we don’t cut hair?” she added. “I’ve been in the industry for 40 to 45 years and my inspiration really clicked in the 90s where it was a cross between boy and feminine. Now, 40 years later its more about gender fluidity, so I’m bringing that together with Stella McCartnery for you today.”
Using her special tool showcased on-stage it was a breath of fresh air with Antoinette producing a haircut in between a masculine and feminine vibe to inspire real hair artistry.
The immersive atmosphere extended beyond the stage, with the foyer bustling with engaging photo opportunities, interactive experiences, brand pop-ups and networking.
“In all my years in the industry, I’ve never witnessed an education event of this magnitude,” says M Division CEO and Co-Founder David Mannah. “It’s a powerful testament to the incredible brand partners, visionary artists, and dedicated teams who joined forces with M Division to launch the AHFA Weekend with unparalleled energy and excitement.”
From taking inspiration from characters throughout brand collections, to tips on how we are viewed online and every styling and colour iteration in between, MANE STAGE pulled at the heartstrings of all the frontline enthusiasts in our industry, to not just inspire but raise the overall bar of the industry.
For more information visit www.manestage.com.au
Catch up with INSTYLE and Styleicons!
- Subscribe to our bi-monthly magazine
- Check out www.styleicons.com.au
- Subscribe to our twice-weekly newsletter
- View our digital magazine
- Follow us on social media on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn