Stylists’ crowning glory

WELLA YPS final
Stylists’ crowning glory

The lights shone the laser beamed and the stylists styled. Last night, twenty Young Professional Stylists cut and styled previously coloured hair into a stunning array of fashion statements before an enthusiastic crowd of about 500. It was the 15th annual WELLA Young Professional Stylist competition and the competitors demonstrated real talent.

Judge, Anna Fitzpatrick from Alt TV commented “The best fashion trends were reinvented in the looks here tonight. The best of New Zealand’s young stylists were represented here tonight.”

Judge, Louise Pilkington of Servilles Ponsonby noted “Thanks to WELLA for promoting emerging talent. Congratulations to everyone that entered, it takes a lot of courage and it is very scary up on stage. Also, thanks to the mentors you are great; with out whom the stylists could not compete. What we were looking for tonight was the cover of a magazine.”

DJ Mikey Havoc set the scene and MC Dominic Bowden directed the competition as 20 finalists from 12 regions around the country produced there best work. Resulting in five key awards…

The WELLA YPS 2007 Fashion Focus Award went to Matt Forsman from Morph in Hamilton who styled his model in “Love lies bleeding” t-shirt, jacket from “Fast & Loose” and shoes by Katherine Wilson.

Sarah Wallace, from Rodney Wayne, The Palms in Christchurch took away the WELLA YPS 2007 Colour Creativity award for her stunning colour work.

Two equal Runners Up awards go to Sam Su’a (pictured, right) from Spectra in Palmerston North and Jessie Sowman (left) from Sutherland Todd Hairdressing in Christchurch.

There can only be one winner and this years WELLA YPS title goes to Rebecca Button (pictured, below left) from Haight Ashbury in Wellington. Rebecca wins a $5,000 prize package of travel and accommodation to London, including a week’s training at the prestigious Vidal Sassoon Academy.
Twenty year old Rebecca said after the announcement “I feel like I am dreaming!”

Claire Johnston from WELLA said “What a fantastic group of young competitors, they were all very professional and creative. It’s great to see young New Zealand hairdressing talent establishing a sound future for the hairdressing industry.”

ENDS

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