Monday, 25th August, 2008
Wella Trend Vision Winner 2008
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Gold Master Visionary Award Winner Stephanie Hosking from Toni and Guy, Newmarket
*****
New Zealand Hairdressing Olympics
To be named a Visionary in an industry bursting with creative talent is something to be proud of. To be crowned the
Master among them is something worth writing home about. And that’s exactly what Jason Chong Li and Stephanie Hosking
will be doing after taking out the top spots at the Wella Trend Vision Awards in Auckland last night.
Becoming one of the 10 finalists in the Wella Trend Vision awards requires attention to detail, creativity, vision, and
mountains of talent. Competing against the crème de la crème of New Zealand stylists, the challenge was to interpret one
of four International stand-out Wella trends, Couture Allure, Fashion Lyrics, Mineral Splendour or Wonderland, and
create an editorial quality photographic entry.
The competition was divided into two sections – Young Visionary for competitors aged under 30 and Master Visionary, for
competitors over 30 – with each division awarding Gold, Silver and Bronze placings.
Taking out Gold for Young Visionary Award
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Jason Chong Li from Stephen Marr Hair, Skin and Body, Newmarket
*****
Competitors for the Young Visionary category were required to re-create their look at the Wella Studios yesterday and
then present it to the panel of judges and industry crowd at last night’s event. Skilfully crafting his take on the
‘Fashion Lyrics’ trend, Jason Chong Li from Stephen Marr was speechless when named the Young Visionary winner. “I’m
still in shock!”
Fashion Editor Fiona Hawtin commented “Everything had been so well thought out, it was the total package. The detail was
exceptional. It breathed creativity. The fashion was the strongest across both categories. A well placed bow tie, the
silver gloves and metallic silver tights against the industrial background, it just all worked. “
“All the work represented here tonight was incredibly beautiful. Jason’s look particularly stood out because it
encompassed everything that we were looking for and more” said Hair Judge Cathy Davys.
His winning style will take him all the way to Lisbon, Portugal in November to compete in the International Trend Vision
Award final against 72 other countries working live in front of 3500 people. A once in a life-time opportunity to work
on Milan Fashion Week in 2009 is also up for grabs.
Silver Young Visionary Award
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Danielle Falconer, Dharma
*****
Bronze Young Visionary Award
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Yoshi Chung-Yang Su, Buoy.
*****
Judged on the total look, the finalists had to show an understanding of the chosen trend; innovation and skill in hair
colour work and styling; and mastery in fashion, accessorizing and staging.
For her first ever solo photo-shoot, Stephanie wasn’t expecting to win. “I was just so excited to be a finalist! When
third place was announced I thought ok, second place, I thought no way, and when they announced me as the winner I was
just so surprised. I still can’t believe it!”
“With the hair being strong, the makeup was pared back. It didn’t compete but complimented the overall picture” said
M.A.C Senior Makeup Artist, Amber Dreadon.
“Choice of model is integral” said Nova model agency Caroline Barron. “The finalists all displayed great selection and
posing of the models to accentuate the hairstyles.”
With a stint in steel construction in Scandinavia behind her inspiration, Stephanie’s “Factory Lyrics” creation has won
her tickets to hotspot London.
Silver Master Visionary Award
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Miguel Lledo, Vada
*****
Bronze Master Visionary Award
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Tiffany Jane Clarke,
Maelstrom Hairdressing
*****
The Judges:
Fiona Hawtin, Editor of Fashion Quarterly and Runway Reporter;
Caroline Barron, Director of Nova Model Agency;
Amber Dreadon MAC Senior makeup artist/international pro team
Cathy Davys of Cathy Davys hair and Spa salon, Wellington
ENDS