Schwarzkopf Professional Hair Expo Awards
Media release
Tuesday 13 June 2017, Sydney
South Australia’s Jason Fassbender has been crowned as Australia’s best hairdresser at leading industry awards
Jason Fassbender has been named the 2017 Australian Hairdresser of the Year at the Schwarzkopf Professional Hair Expo Awards Gala in Sydney, the first time a South Australian hairdresser has taken out the title in the 32-year history of the awards.
A Creative Director at Parlour Hair Unley salon in Adelaide, Jason’s winning photographic collection was strongly inspired by fashion and individuality.
“Winning the Australian Hairdresser of the Year award feels totally unbelievable, I didn't even think I would be a finalist, let alone win it” said Jason. “Hopefully it will open up a lot of opportunities for me and I'm really looking forward to promoting the industry and helping to highlight the work that we do”.
The 2017 Schwarzkopf Professional Hair Expo New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year award went once again to Danny Pato of D&M Hair Design in Ponsonby, Auckland, who also took out the title in 2016.
“I've been a hairdresser for over 20 years – this is my second year winning this award and I'm just so grateful to be doing what I love and to be recognised by iconic people in the industry” said Danny.
The pinnacle celebration of Hair Expo Australia, the coveted Hair Expo Awards have been elevating the hair industry for more than 30 years by recognising and celebrating excellence in creative vision, advanced technical skill, and business acumen – the complete picture of what exceptional hairdressing is.
The competition for the 2017 awards was tough, with a huge 40 per cent increase in entries from 2016. In May, 107 finalists were announced across 18 creative and business categories, chosen by a judging panel of 12 international and 12 local judges, representing some of the most celebrated names in hair and media from Australasia and across the globe.
More than 1000 hair professionals gathered to hear 20 winners announced at the lavish awards gala, hosted by The Bachelor’s Osher Günsberg and held this year in the Grand Ballroom of the ICC Sydney. As well crowning the winners of the 18 existing categories judged prior to the event, the additional categories of People’s Choice and the Hall of Fame Award are also presented on the night.
A full list of winners is available from page 2
“Jason has been chosen for his achievements both in creative vision and leadership in the industry, making him a comprehensive ambassador for this multifaceted profession”, said Julia Erben, Event Director for Hair Expo Australia. “The heritage of the Hair Expo Awards is to entice participants to be the best they can be, and our winners tonight are a true testimony to this demanding challenge. During their extraordinary careers, they have not only demonstrated all-inspiring creative vision, but have also encouraged and educated countless peers, securing the future of our industry”, added Julia.
“Big congratulations to all the finalists and winners! Your talent and passion for the craft of hairdressing is truly inspiring and so important for the industry we all love. As the Hair Expo Award Sponsor, Schwarzkopf Professional is very proud to partner with you by providing the platform you deserve. Congratulations also to our ambassadors and the Schwarzkopf Professional Technical Team – what a great Essential Looks show!” said David Hahn, General Manager of Schwarzkopf Professional ANZ.
Hair Expo Australia takes place annually over the Queen’s Birthday weekend and brings together thousands of hair industry professionals for three days of trend showcases, world-class education and Australasia’s largest hair show performances, leading it to be known as ‘The Festival of Hair’.
www.hairexpoaustralia.com
ENDS
2017
SCHWARZKOPF PROFESSIONAL HAIR EXPO AWARDS
WINNERS
AUSTRALIAN HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR
Jason Fassbender – Parlour Hair Unley, Malvern SA
NEW ZEALAND HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR
Danny Pato – D&M Hair Design, Ponsonby, NZ
HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
Jane Trewin, TAFE NSW
COLOUR TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR
Adrian Rotolo – Ibiza Hair, Albert Park VIC
MEN’S HAIRDRESSER / BARBER OF THE YEAR
Uros Mikic – Kinky Curly Straight, Stepney SA
NEW CREATIVE FORCE
Cherie Falco - Kinky Curly Straight, Stepney SA
APPRENTICE / STUDENT OF THE YEAR
Sharne Rizzo – Joey Scandizzo Salon, South Yarra VIC
SALON TEAM OF THE YEAR
é Salon, Wahroonga NSW
SESSION STYLIST OF THE YEAR
Sarah Laidlaw - Union Management, Randwick NSW
PEOPLE’S CHOICE
Natasha King - Fred and Gingers, Invercargill NZ
BEST SALON DESIGN
Salon Kiin, Penrith NSW
EDUCATION BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Sharon Blain Education
EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR
Caterina Di Biase
INDUSTRY BUSINESS PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
Eco Heads
SALON BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Luke Reynolds Hairdressing
STATE CATEGORIES
NSW-ACT Hairdresser of the Year
Scott Sloan - Sloans, Lane Cove NSW
SA-TAS Hairdresser of the Year
Cherie Falco - Kinky Curly Straight, Stepney SA
VIC Hairdresser of the Year
Hermiz Daniel - Joey Scandizzo Salon, South Yarra VIC
WA-NT Hairdresser of the Year
Pauline McCabe - Rock Paper Scissors Hair Studio, Freemantle WA
QLD Hairdresser of the Year
William Webb - Ella & Jade, Calamvale QLD
Many thanks to all members of the 2017 Schwarzkopf Professional Hair Expo Awards judging panel
Local judges (Australia and NZ)
• Sharon Blain (Aus)
• Cameron Pine (Aus, Instyle magazine)
• Matt Clements (Aus)
• Frank Apostolopoulos (Aus)
• Sara Allsop (NZ)
• Justin Pace (Aus)
• Dennis Langford (Aus)
• Ruth Browne (Aus)
• Brad Ngata (Aus)
• Paul Serville (NZ)
• Billie Iveson (Aus, RUSSH magazine)
• Caterina Di Biase (Aus)
International Judges
• Tabatha Coffey (USA)
• Edward Darley (UK)
• Mark Hayes (UK)
• Peter Gray (USA)
• Gerard Scarpaci (USA)
• Jayne Lewis-Orr (Hairdresser’s Journal, UK)
• Jorge Cancer (Spain)
• Guy Tang (USA)
• Indira Schauwecker (UK)
• Angelo Seminara (UK)
• Andreas Stavrou (UK)
• Eugene Souleiman (UK)
• Darren Ambrose (UK)