On Sunday 15 October, some of the world’s most inspiring hair artists took to the stage in one spectacular show. The Alternative Hair Show (AHS) returned for its 41st year at the ICC Capital Suite at ExCel London. Welcoming the most innovative hair artists to London for a live extravaganza titled ‘Tapestry’, the event also hosted the globally renowned International Visionary Award finals.
Long-time AHS supporter Linda Evans was first to arrive on stage (to the sound of Doja Cat’s Paint the Town Red!) before the AHS founder and President, Tony Rizzo and Anthony Mascolo, emerged to host the show. To kick things off, each AHS Artist was presented with a trophy and acknowledgement of their hard work.
Next came the announcement of hairdressing legend, Trevor Sorbie MBE, as the new Worldwide Honorary Patron of the AHS. Tony Rizzo said: “We think it is fitting that the man who Vidal Sassoon called the ‘best hairdresser’ is the new worldwide patron.”
Trevor was given a one-of-a-kind trophy and shared a heartfelt speech with the crowd: “What an honour for me to follow in the footsteps of my hairdressing hero Vidal Sassoon. When I started in hairdressing, I had no idea where my life was headed – at one point, I even gave up hairdressing because I thought I was no good! I was so wrong.”
Trevor went on to talk about Tony’s special affinity for the Blood Cancer charity, Fighting Leukaemia, and how important the AHS is when it comes to its annual fundraising. He said: “Tony lost his son to leukaemia, and I can’t think of anything worse, but his determination and passion to want to help others who are in a similar situation is one of the most commendable things a human being can do. Tony deserves his own medal because he is a man of action.”
The International Visionary Awards opened the show. All 51 finalists took to the stage with their models before the winners were announced. The winners were:
Men’s
Winner – Daniel Gallego, Spain
Runner- up – Yildis Charbachi, Sweden
Cut and Colour
Winner – Jaeyoung Lee, South Korea
Runner -up – Sara Piera Cano, Spain
Avant Garde
Winner – Ulderico Nasti, Italy
Runner – up – Tom Yek Teng Siong, Malaysia
The AHS then commenced with a showcase of the world’s most renowned artistic teams, presented in three segments, all packed with beautiful, intricate and inspired work.
Tony Rizzo, Anthony Mascolo and Trevor Sorbie MBE closed the show presenting a cheque of £121,000 to Fighting Leukaemia. The night was truly a testament to how art and charity can support one another in the most wonderful way.
Show Teams:
Photography credit: Alex Barron-Hough
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