Stylist of the year crowned

18 June 2006

Stylist of the year crowned

Stylists from throughout the country have cut, combed and coloured their hearts out for a judging panel and over 400 guests at the final of the 2006 Wella YPS (Young Professional Stylist) competition.

An enthusiastic and supportive crowd on Saturday night created an upbeat atmosphere in which the young (under 23 years of age) competitors performed for 45 minutes. DJ Mikey Havoc's funky beats on the turntables provided the perfect backdrop for the stylists to perform to. And a special guest performance from local kiwi band Stellar*, had the crowd up and dancing on the Wella stage.

Wowing the judges, Rachelle Scott from Klone in Dunedin was awarded the "Colour Creativity" award for the finalist who has demonstrated the best technical and creative excellence in their COLOUR work.

Rachelle was then crowned the overall winner. She receives The Wella YPS 2006 Trophy and Certificate, The title of Winner of the Wella YPS 2006, plus $5,000.00 worth of international travel. This fantastic prize includes travel and accommodation to London for a one week training course at the prestigious Vidal Sassoon Academy.

Rachelle is 22 and thrilled to have won the 2006 title. After the show she said "it is still sinking in! It has been a lot of work, I am exhausted"

Wella Marketing Manager, Claire Johnston commented "This is the 14th year WELLA has supported and encouraged emerging young hairdressing talent. What a fantastic night! The 2006 competitors have set a new standard; they have been calm, professional and really enjoyed themselves - a great bunch. The New Zealand Hair dressing industry is in safe hands."

Spokesman for the judges, Grant Bettjeman said "We have enjoyed the chance to see such amazing young talent. It is great to have a competition that is hands-on and live. Congratulations to WELLA on the event and supporting the young talent of the New Zealand hairdressing Industry."

The finalists are only at the beginning of their careers, yet all showed that they have what it takes to truly produce world-class results. There can be only one winner, but three other contestants deserve extra recognition.

Each of the two Wella YPS 2006 joint runners up receives an Apple iPod.
The Fashion Focus title acknowledges the competitor who best presents an innovative fashion look that both compliments their hair trend work and shows vision in fashion direction. Fashion Focus was Judged and awarded by Tim Phin, publisher of Remix magazine who noted "WELLA YPS is a great platform for young stylists, demonstrating a varied approach that reflected the stylists individuality."

The winner was Misuzu Kuranaga from TONI & GUY, Newmarket, Auckland. Misuzu claims the title WELLA YPS 2006 Fashion Focus award winner and a Cyber Shot Digital Camera, she commented "next year I will win the overall prize!"

ENDS

© Scoop Media