The Gathering of Believers in I’mPossible

John Paul Mitchell Systems celebrates another year, another Gathering, another sell-out for the spectacular event focusing once again on “I’MPOSSIBLE”

The Gathering is the annual ultimate upbeat and inspirational experience where Paul Mitchell System partners can revel in the inspirational shows, performances, parties, seminars, and products launches.

The grand opening show started off with an inspirational video interview of John Paul Mitchell Systems CEO and Co-founder John Paul DeJoria presenting the new Paul Mitchell “We Care” ad campaign, highlighting the philanthropic contributions made to Grow Appalachia and Waterkeeper Alliance. While the excitement mounted, LMFAO guitarist Jaxon Blak gave a  dynamic performance builting up to John Paul DeJoria’s grand entrance on a Harley-Davidson.

DeJoria took the opportunity to introduce his family, including Paul Mitchell’s spokesmodel of 22 years: his wife, Eloise DeJoria. He also presented his daughter, Director of Future Development Michaeline DeJoria–Heydari, and his niece, Heather Hutchens, acting Vice President of Strategic
Planning for the company. John Paul Mitchell Systems Co-owner Angus Mitchell kept spirits high and Global Artistic Director Robert Cromeans challenged all those present and watching the livestream to “Put It Out There”. Paul Mitchell Schools Dean and Co-founder Winn Claybaugh
succeeded in spurring further positivity before welcoming DeJoria back to the stage to present the spectacular preview of what news hairdresser’s and salon owners can look forward to this fall: two exciting product launches—shines XG® and Neuro™ Tools—and a new MITCH® man campaign.

ONE! John Paul Mitchell Systems® presents  the future generation of demi-permanent, no-ammonia hair color: shines XG™ – offering 51 intermixable shades  for gray blending and coverage that lasts 4 to 6 weeks and fades on tones. This exciting new product was brought to life onstage with cut’n’color demonstrations on beautiful models by Paul Mitchell Artists and Educators Robert Cromeans, Stephanie Kocielski, Angus Mitchell, Takashi Kitamura, Scott Cole, Linda Yodice, Mary Cuomo, Heather Kaanoi, Colin Caruso, and many others. See more by clicking here!

TWO! The high-energy continued into the MITCH segment of the programme, introducing Angus Mitchell as the new MITCH man.Transformative haircut demonstrations by JPMS Creative Director and world-renowned Platform Artist Takashi Kitamura, flanked by Scott Cole and Julian Perlingero. followed. More MITCH men then filled the stage to be styled by Paul Mitchell’s grooming experts: Jason Reyes, Sam Burns, Anya Segers, Heather Kaanoi, Ashlea Morris and Mary Cuomo. More real-life MITCH-men included athletes like volleyball players Stafford Slick and Avery Drost, BMX bike stunts from Coco Zurita, and Team Paul Mitchell’s wu shu master Austin Jorgensen. What better conclusion to this segment than an exhilarating live performance “Blues Hand Me Down” by blues-rock band Vintage Trouble.

THREE! Last but not least, violinist Jason Yang provided the perfect ethereal soundtrack as stilt-walking models captivated the attention of everyone, enabling the Paul Mitchell’s artistic team to demonstrate how to achieve gorgeous styles using the new Neuro Tools, in preparation for the six-month launch of Neuro™, a complete line of intelligent professional tools that will include a smoothing iron, styling cones and rod, hot rollers, and a dryer! These outstanding tools will feature SmartSense Technology with an ultra-sensitive microchip for heat recovery and a “Clean Filter” indicator light for the hair dryer and more! See our complete report click here!

The Grand Opening Show set the mood for the exciting and inspirational workshops and seminars to follow with such industry greats as Robert Cromeans, Takashi and Anya Segers in their Tingle with Tea Tree seminar, Color Experts Scott Cole and Linda Yodice, Vice President of Education Stephanie Kolcielski, Angus Mitchell and others. 

Then it was just a question of donning white attire to sip cocktails, savor hors d’oeuvres and dance the evening away with fellow Paul Mitchell pros from around the globe at the ever-popular White Party.

The next evening, the final runway show featured bold looks that melded street style with high fashion by Paul Mitchell Schools. Future Professionals took the stage as models, sporting flirty braids and crimped hairdos for a segment with a youthful vibe. Next came modern coiffed silhouettes of breathtaking creativity from Awapuhi Wild Ginger®. Sleek and interesting shapes were paraded down the catwalk by the gorgeous models. Then, the Paul Mitchell Artistic Team unveiled a surprising and inspiring color takeover. At the very end of this segment, the models were revealed to be beautiful older woman—an empowering message that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

In a segment featuring curly-haired models, Angus Mitchell, Scott Cole and Robert Cromeans transformed their “Curlfriends”, highlighting different coloring techniques that are further enhanced by unique cutting methods. To the sound of Jason Wang’s full range of pitches and bow strokes, Takashi Kitamura delighted the crowd as he effortlessly stroked strands, demonstrating his master haircutting skills on a stilt-walking model with hot pink neon hair.

Enchanting and luminescent beauty swept the stage as Editorial Director Lucie Doughty, Vice President of Education Stephanie Kocielski and Artistic Director of Paul Mitchell the color Linda Yodice were elevated to the stage through hidden trapdoors to stun the audience with their whimsical, colorful updo styles.

In conclusion, performers Candicen Desrosiers, Rushan Reed, Marshall Boehm, and Kirsten Apfelbaum performed an original piece and the “I’M Possible” theme song to send stylists on their way home with an inspiring message.

So for now, gather your thoughts and get ready for next year! 

All photos by Randy Taylor at www.hairbrained.com