Featuring artists from every corner of the industry that amass millions of industry followers, the MANE STAGE line up for 2023 united some of our home grown and international heroes who have collectively made a global influence on hairdressing, writes Cameron Pine.
With each segment designed to finish the year on an inspirational high and leverage guests into the artist they want to be, a variety of perspectives came from business to tools, consultation tips, styling tips, colour and high creativity – each with a highly personal twist.
Hairdressers with a large following including ambassadors and salon owners made up the spectrum of MANE STAGE that covered all areas of artistry – Sarah Emilia, James Earnshaw, Belinda Mills, Kaine Vakai, Dom Pelli, Chantelle Maree and many more divulged their hacks and tips to an audience of more than 300 people for a full day on Sunday November 12 preceding the Australian Hair Fashion Awards.
With brand alignments from fashion hair to colour, with Redken, Wella Trend Vision, Dyson and beyond, the stage shared something for a variety of brand devotees, also bolstered by the FAME team showing just how creative and visionary our young generation of hairdressers can be.
Talking technology and innovation behind Dyson and how it helps stylists, Eoin McCarthy and Peter Thomsen sat alongside Dyson’s Kelly Morgan.
”I feel like technology is always changing and now we know that clients absolutely love and want Dyson in the salon – what they most fall in love with is the shine,” Peter said. “The most exciting thing about being creative is being uncomfortable and challenging ourselves and that’s what today is all about.”
Similarly, the artistry remains the most important thing for Eoin McCarthy – and tools that save time and allow him to be an artist drive him.
“A lot of the looks I like to create are fairly natural and not too manufactured. I always want to give them something realistic that lasts. I prefer to use my hands – it’s the best styling product we have. Using the hands also shows the clients they can do that to. A lot of men love gadgets so when I put the Dyson out, they love it,” Eoin said.
Each artist had a unique insight or comment that was uniquely them, there were no scripts or set formulas, it was a MANE STAGE session of unbridled learnings.
Redken powered their network of industry leaders with ‘The World of Liquid Colour’ – Sheree Knobel, Justin Pace, Kaine Vakai, Kyra Williams, Ash Wuillemin and Sara Briscoe each spoke to their strengths and their colour tips. Each artists unique identity proves that Redken remains at the forefront of trending high-shine colour without compromising the hair’s integrity.
Using a combination of pre-done looks including mannequin heads alongside models, it was about showcasing versatility of Redken colour. Championing Blonde, Kaine focused on the commercial blonde everyone wants.
Hairdressing royalty Errol Douglas sat onstage alongside Richard Mannah for a Q&A and insight into his life as a multi-award-winning hairdresser. Both agreed the best way to learn from other people is to assist with other people. Nominated for British Hairdresser of the Year Errol has worked on photographic work all his life.
“From the minute I don’t win anything I’m looking at what I can do differently seasonally to appeal to the now – I’m looking at seasons ahead, something futuristic,” he said.
Richy Kandasamy and Renee Valerie hit the stage to launch the next generation of hair colour with R+Color. Titled R+Co Techniclour it was all about technicolour inspiration and dynamic trends. Joining them was also R+Co Australian ambassador Brad Rixon.
“Shorty textured hair needs multiple tones, you need to be careful, placement needs to be delicate – here we’ve created a lilac sorbet with velvety olive tones, blueish and a bit of pink together,” Richy said.
High on impact and intricate in placement, it was also about colour suiting skin tone – a tool they used to show the consumer what colours will work on their skin, which is a key to successful salon colour and something R+Color are championing to re-ignite the colour industry.
James Earnshaw as Wella Professionals Global Ambassador presented Colour Out Loud, combining dreamy pastels and optimistic brights with tonal browns.
“It’s about intermixing the blonde with the high colour. It softens it and makes look a little more premium. Everyone wants to look sexy and premium.”
Madison Voloshin for Davroe worked on a variety of curly and textured hair types to show how Davroe products work and tame all types of hair.
“I want show how we moisturise the hair, even the curliest of hair. We are actually going to turn it into a flat top today – it’s all styling and no cutting. Working as a session stylist internationally, it’s about showing you some styling tricks of the trade and using product to make maximum impact,” Madison said.
The 2023 F.A.M.E. team presented their last creative execution for the year with an intensely detailed show inspired by incredible individuality. Titled WOMAN, each F.A.M.E. team member presented what inspires them to be uniquely themselves as an artist while also supporting women’s rights. Some of the most creative fashion styling and Avant Garde hair paid respect to the F.A.M.E. team’s incredible artistic talents.
“Our F.A.M.E. team have grown as women, they have grown as hairdressers and we could not be more proud of their creativity,” said F.A.M.E. team mentor Jack Morton. “Taking a moment for the outfits as much of the hair, the team put together a real hallmark hairdressing showcase.”
Ending the day with the Social Media Superstars segment, it was about each panel guest sharing their stories about both their journey as hairdressers and social media influencers. The day’s presenters had the opportunity to share more of an insight into how they juggle their life and profile as an artist. Sarah Emilia, Belinda Mills, James Earnshaw, Dom Pelli, Kaine Vakai and Chantelle Maree guided the audience on what makes authentic content and how to create the following that helps propel them to grow their earnings from hairdressing, while sticking to their values and limitations.
“Our mission has always been to energise and educate our industry’s bright minds, especially the rising stars. The AHFA Weekend is a testament to this commitment, and we’re thrilled with the outcome of this year’s event,” said M Division CEO, David Mannah. “Plans are already underway for next year’s AHFA Weekend, promising another incredible experience filled with innovation and learning.”
For more information visit www.manestage.com.au
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