Innovation, creativity and skill met undeniable artistry last night in Dallas at the Sebastian Professional 2017 What’s Next Awards – the hair styling competition for Student and Professional talent who dare to take their creativity to the next level.
What’s Next Awards nine finalists competed LIVE at the Bomb Factory in Dallas, having met their models just 24 hours prior, and with a LIVE webcast directly through Wella Education’s Facebook page! Each year Sebastian Professional releases a hair collection that inspires contestant’s hair style entries. This year the collection was RE-CHARGE, a collection inspired by nature – in a connected world where technology drives every aspect of life, nature still holds the greatest power to fuel our creativity. Its raw and wild force recharges us, its power keeps us looking beyond, and thinking forward.
This year’s judge’s panel included industry legend Robert Lobetta, 2016 Affiliated Artist WNA winner Gianpaolo Colombo, 2016 Professional Artist WNA winner Damaris Earlewine and Sergi Bancells of ESTETICA USA Magazine. Judges weren’t the only deciding factor for these finalists, this year again also included a People’s Choice Award, where fans voted for their favorites on Sebastian’s What’s Next Instagram page @sebastianwna
The competition, presented by Salvatore Mauceri, Senior VP North America Professional Beauty and Global OPI at Coty Professional Beauty, and Carole Protat, Coty Professional Beauty, North America Creative Director, took place in front of a live audience of more than 1,000 and was dedicated to the memory of industry icon, incredibly proud hairdresser and Vice President of Education for Coty Professional Beauty, Fabio Sementilli. The evening also included an exclusive live performance from hard-rock trio, Sixx:A.M. with Nikki Sixx, DJ Ashba and James Michael – presented by Melanie Garibay, Wella North America’s National Show Director.
Sebastian Professional Artist Team featuring Diva Poulos, Omar Antonio, Anthony Cole and Marylle Koken delivered a phenomenal live show to put the icing on the cake, presenting onstage the amazing looks of Sebastian Professional SS2017 collection, RE-CHARGE and also a sneak peek of What’s Next… the forthcoming FW2017 collection, TWISTED!
Finally, when the time came to decide on the winners, the judges had to make the most difficult decision, concluding the brand’s endeavor which amassed hundreds of applicants nationwide! With breaking news, ESTETICA invites you to meet the winners here:
Student Category Winner
Beverly Iwuala
Ogle School // Stafford, Texas
Professional Category Winner
Laura Rocha
The Harlot Salon // Venice, California
Affiliated Artist Category Winner
Sabrina Cayer
Propagande Coiffure // Trois-Rivières, Québec
People’s Choice Award Winner
Luis Maldonado
Beyond Salon // Puerto Rico
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