The night of all nights took place on Sunday the 9th of August, at the National Institute of Circus Arts, Melbourne.
An arena typically set for acrobatics and circus tricks was transformed to showcase a different sort of talent – the country’s next up-and-coming colorists!
From a national selection of eight finalists, the winning title was announced live to an audience of over 400 by guest host; Video Hits Host Fuzzy.
And the winner? South Australia’s Natasha Freer of Kaz Hair in Marion.
Natasha Freer along with the other seven finalists spent the weekend in Melbourne, carefully preparing their models and their final looks for the professional photo shoot before presenting their work and efforts to the panel of experts.
Freer’s model and final look reflected her interpretation of the competition’s 2009 theme: ‘Techno
Primitive’, with bright vibrant, techno-colours blended into warm reds inspired by the raw and primitive beauty of nature. Natasha says; “Working within the theme Techno Primitive, I was inspired by the trends I’ve seen on overseas catwalks and also took inspiration from what I see on the street. Street trends and what people are wearing now is a great place to take your inspiration because it’s current.”
Kristina Russell: Redken Future Color Judge, Redken Artist and Director of Colour at Sable Hair, NSW said “Natasha’s talent as a hairdresser really stood out for all of us. She demonstrated a real understanding of how to apply the colour to the model and created a look that could be personalised for different clients as well. It was versatile and beautifully executed and showed her creativity and professionalism. Natasha wanted to create a wearable, creative yet commercial look that was beautiful and we agreed that she’s achieved exactly that.”
Natasha entered the competition with the hopes of building her profile as a professional and for following her dream to becoming a respected and recognized artist within the industry. Sinday nights achievements have set her on the right path.
Natasha comments; “This competition has given me the greatest opportunity to be creative and work alongside some of the most admired idols of the industry. Hearing my name being announced as winner was the best feeling. Winning something like this has really inspired me and my passion.”
The Redken Future Color Competition is the perfect head start for young emerging talent. It has set Natasha with the opportunity to travel to New York and work with Redken Artists on some key fashion events with $2,000 spending money and has also won the opportunity to show her work in an editorial photo shoot with industry magazine; Culture.
Runner Up
The runner up was awarded to Lauren Fischer of Vogue National Hair Design, Brisbane who will also have the opportunity to showcase her work in the industry’s trade magazine, INSTYLE.
The Event
The announcement of The Redken Future Color Competition winner for 2009 wasn’t the only act to look forward to on the night. Guests were treated to a spectacular and eye catching display of live, on-stage fire acts and circus performances whilst sipping on delicious champagne and berry liquor concoctions and enjoying delicious canapés.
All eyes were on the runway of which its backdrop was set with dazzling lights and installations for the finalists and their models to stride down, perfectly in theme with Techno Primitive.
The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra; a 20 piece band, kept party goers entertained to the max with their afro funk beats, which was then followed by a set from DJ Arlen de Silva who took the party into the small hours of Monday morning.