Media release
18 June 2001

ELVY NAMED NZ HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR
AT AUSTRALIAN AWARDS

Hair stylist Derek Elvy, of Buoy Hairdressing in Wellington, was last week named New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year at the Hair Expo Australian Hairdressing Awards in Sydney. Established 16 years ago, the awards are one of the most prestigious and longest running hairdressing awards worldwide.

Elvy’s Winning Style - 1

Elvy won the New Zealand title with a portfolio of seven styles ranging from 40s style to 00s attitude. All the winning styles were created using Schwarzkopf Professional products. Elvy says hair this year is dominated by glam, punk and classic themes. “Smooth is the key word,” he says. “Hair is cared for, well groomed, shiny, healthy and luscious. Colours are gold, deep red, caramel, coffee, chocolate brown and brilliant blonde and beige,”he says.

Elvy, whose client list is closed, is in demand for both salon work and photo shoots. He worked on Peter Jackson’s mega million dollar production of Lord of the Rings, assisting with “elven” hair and also works on ad campaigns and with cosmetic houses.

Elvy’s Winning Style - 2

Finalists for the New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year award were Elvy and, from Auckland, Greg Murrell from Ryder Salon, Miharu Iwai from Toni & Guy and Tyson Kennedy from Jarvis. Last year’s award was won by Paul Serville.

One of the sponsors of this year’s awards, Australia’s Cream magazine, had high praise for the New Zealanders.

“With impressive showings at Australian Fashion Week, New Zealand is really starting to shine as an exporter in not only fashion, but hair and beauty also,” the magazine said. The innovation in concepts and the quality execution of these makes the work of Australia’s closest neighbour inspirational beyond reasons of geography.”

Craig Manson, Schwarzkopf Professional general manager, says Elvy’s win is well deserved. “It’s only fitting for a guy who’s spent 20 years driving the hairdressing industry forward. Derek Elvy is really passionate about hairdressing and we’re really delighted to see him acknowledged like this.”

Meanwhile, Schwarzkopf Professional will next year bring back its own hairdressing awards, after a two year break. Details of the award structure are now being finalised with an announcement due later this year.

ends

THE HAIR EXPO AUSTRALIAN
HAIRDRESSING AWARDS

These awards set the industry standard and are recognised internationally as the benchmark for Australian hairdressing. They are held during the annual hair expo, which is a three-day celebration of the latest and greatest in hairdressing. It is a springboard for new ideas and an industry celebration.

There are 11 categories in the awards, from the Hall of Fame award through to hair fashion photographer of the year, hairdressing technician of the year and best new salon design.

Judges for this year’s awards were drawn from a cross section of industries – leading Australian and international hairdressers, hairdressing training and education, industry companies and associations, media, fashion and design.