It was dubbed the “show-stopping sixth year” and, last weekend, the sixth annual Salon Melbourne/Hair Melbourne exhibition did exactly that – brought Melbourne to a halt with a showcase of over 250 leading industry brands and a program jam-packed with education, inspiration and creativity.
“Growing year on year since its beginnings in 2010, we could not be more pleased by this year’s performance,” says Event Director, Amelia Coote-Harris. “We had some exhibitors exceed their sales targets on just the first day and experienced some of our highest quality visitation yet. From an organisation perspective, 2015 saw us undergo a branding update and bring in a range of new elements which really paid off with a more diversified, value-added experience for both visitors and exhibitors.”
Within an exhibition hall filled with industry veterans and aspirers alike, beauty big names, such as YOUNGBLOOD, Bodyography, ORLY, OPI and Excellent Edges had their latest and greatest well and truly on show. This year’s diverse line-up of products, treatments, education and talent delivered visitors a one-stop shop of the latest industry offerings and innovations, all under one roof
Education
Education has remained a central pillar of Salon Melbourne since its inception in 2010, and this year was no exception. A full program of 18 educational sessions, 20 Main Stage shows and several zoned demonstrations covered a diverse selection of creative, practical, strategic and business education topics.
Celebrity
It wouldn’t be Salon Melbourne without a touch of celebrity glamour. This year’s Main Stage hosted an appearance by Real Housewives of Melbourne star, Gina Liano amongst a long list of additional leading industry names including brow extraordinaire, Jazz Pampling; hair maestros, Lorna Evans and Caterina DiBiase – along with makeup favourites Donna Mee and Rae Morris.
Competition
A bit of healthy competition also kept the crowds happy. In an event first, HBIA hosted Definition of Fashion – a live pressure test that saw top hair stylists work alongside emerging fashion designers and makeup artists. The action-packed showcase offered a burst of creativity from the spheres of fashion, make-up and hair. The winning title went to stylist Shakira Petrucci of Zucci Hairdressing.
And a little fun…
To add an extra element of hair creativity and wow-factor to the showcase, Sunday night saw the Matrix Australia Design Team stage Matrix Playground – a night of fresh inspiration, innovation and creativity on the cat walk.
After a successful two-day event, there’s no mistaking Salon Melbourne/Hair Melbourne remains as Victoria’s premier hair, beauty, medi and wellness destination.
If you’re a brand looking for exposure in Australia’s fashion capital make sure you book in for Salon Melbourne 2016 to be held on 6 – 7 March 2016.
SALON MELBOURNE/HAIR MELBOURNE 2015
1 & 2 March 2015, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Entry: $15 online (prior to midnight 28 February 2015); or $20 at the door.
