Drumroll please! After an exhaustive search in this historic national platform, the winner in the first ever Australian and New Zealand hub for L’Oréal Professionnel Style and Colour Trophy was announced for 2023 in a live online broadcast.

After a semi-final gala at The Star, Sydney, hosted earlier this month, the eight finalists were flown to Melbourne for a weekend of creativity and mentoring. The eight finalists created an entirely new look based on the dynamic Metamorphosis theme to decide the final winner. The looks for the final rounds showcased the bold, transformative power of the theme, running the gamut of creativity by exploring shape, texture and detail across the spectrum, as well as luminous colour courtesy of the L’Oréal Professionnel iNOA technology.

Congratulations to Rebecca Brent of Willis York in New Zealand who won for a bright pink long and layered look and is the official AUSNZ L’Oréal Professionnel Style and Colour Trophy champion for 2023.

“I started to think about creating a meta-verse self. If you could have any style or colour you wanted, what would you do?” Rebecca said when asked about her original look and view on the Metamorphosis theme. “I wanted the image to feel otherworldly and innocent while also having a little nod to rebel punk and princess royalty. I am also obsessed with meta lilac colour backgrounds in the meta-verse so the colour was inspired by that. For my finale look, my original meta-verse girl has a more grown up vibe to her, it’s still ethereal but she’s more sure of who she is becoming.”

Second place was also announced as Alicia Perruzza of Circles of Hair in WA, while third place was named as Chanel Beck from Koko Blacq Hair, WA. Alicia’s brunette look has lightened red ends and a hero square shape on top, while Chanel inspired with intricate hair weaving details, soft balyage blonde colour and a unique shape.

“My look for the finals this weekend is definitely Avant Garde,” Chanel said while preparing. “Let’s just say it’s outside the box. I’ve changed the shape of my models head to give an alien-like illusion. For the colour, I was inspired by the WA pink sunset sky. She’s beautiful and bold!”

“My look was inspired by shape, square shapes specifically,” Alicia added. “I absolutely love cutting men’s hair and wanted to incorporate the sharp precision of a flat top but still with a feminine edge.”

Announced in a live broadcast aired via L’Oréal ACCESS and marie claire, the nation viewed behind the scenes videos of the finalists creating their look and the incredible before and after transformations. Additionally, L’Oréal Professionnel Education Manager Karen Strano chatted on the couch with the judges, who offered their advice and perspective on this unparalleled opportunity. Last year’s national and global winner Claudia Cataldo and the 2022 global bronze medallist Kelly Manu, as well as leading hairdressers Damien Rinaldo, Daren Borthwick, Adriana Marmino, Sarah Laidlaw and Matt Clements, and Sally Hunwick of marie claire, comprised the judging panel and shared their insights on the night.

The evening also paid tribute to other platform winners. Finalist Fiona Fazzalari of Hair Machine Glenelg won the Audience Award as decided by public voting for her original look. Congratulations to Rebecca, Alicia, Chanel and Fiona, as well as the other talented finalists – Kate Clark of Ink for Hair in Queensland, Amy Gaudie of Urban Chic in Queensland, Rose Cain of Head Studio, WA and Terrina Brown of Zedz Hair, WA – for their immense creativity.

The evening also acknowledged the other category winners, announced at the semi-final gala. Kate was named as iNOA colour winner, Chanel was the Newcomer winner and state People’s Choice winners were announced as Kate for QLD, Chanel for WA, Fiona for SA/TAS, Crystal Wood of Wood & Wills for NSW, Prue Taylor of Lady and the Hair for VIC and Mathias Te Moananui of Buoy Salon and Spa for New Zealand.

Rebecca could now have the opportunity to compete on the global stage, where Australian representatives, Claudia, Massimo Tirimacco and Wendy Gunn, have been awarded the last three international titles.

Congratulations to Rebecca on this fantastic achievement!

For more information visit www.lorealprofessionnel.com.au

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