4 minute read
The Dennis Langford 2022 AHIA Hall Of Fame Award – Dario Cotroneo
In January of this year, The Australian hairdressing industry suffered a massive loss with the passing of hairdressing legend and TONI&GUY Australia CEO, Dennis Langford.
In her opening speech as the recent AHIA’s, owner of mocha group, Linda Woodhead announced a very special development in the renaming of the AHIA Hall of Fame Award.
“Dennis was my friend, a mentor, an educator and a hair fashion trailblazer to so many, but for those who knew him well, his most important role was that of a husband to his wife Sara and father to his children,” she said. “Dennis’ long-standing dedication and passion for hairdressing revolutionised the Australian hairdressing community and I know I am not alone in saying that he touched the lives of many, both near and far.”
Following in the footsteps of the AHIA Business awards, where personal and exclusive permission by Eden Sassoon was given, to re-name the AHIA Vidal Sassoon Humanitarian Award, it was time to announce the special renaming of Hall of Fame in honour of Dennis Langford.
Having been given permission from the Langford family, it was only fitting that Sara Langford and Dennis’ sons Thomas and Jackson announced the first recipient as well as a tribute to their much lived husband and father.
Sara spoke on behalf of her late husband and the entire Toni&Guy community saying how this renowned and invaluable member of the Australian hair landscape and beyond had left an undeniable mark on many whom he crossed paths with.
“Dennis dedicated more than 25 years to our Industry - cultivating an army of hair enthusiasts as he reimagined the world of Hairdressing when he brought TONI&GUY to Australia. I am not alone in saying that Dennis’ longstanding commitment to his profession has been paved with the most incredible people. As a mentor, industry icon and legend, Dennis’ legacy lives on through the successful career paths and opportunities he created for countless hairdressers - I witness this daily,”, said Sara.
“A future without Dennis feels unparalleled - but it is a journey that we feel proud and honoured to be part of. Our strength is ignited by the passion of the TONI&GUY support office, our salon partners and staff - or how Dennis would refer to it - our T&G family.”
As Sara stood on stage with Dennis' sons, she said how it felt even more apparent than ever that the family values that Dennis instilled in the company would continue to live on. Jackson and Tom also spoke to the 800+ audience saying how their dad lived with passion, both personally & professionaly, and what an honour and a privilege it was to witness his name live on through the hairdressing industry and such an honorary award.
Sara then went on to announce the 2022 recipient of the Dennis Langford Hall of Fame award as none other than Dario Cotroneo. Regarded as an elite haircutter, mentor, educator and salon owner, this multi awarded icon has over 32 years’ experience within the hairdressing industry. Known for his exceptional dry cutting skills and street-based creativity, he creates strong, cutting-edge looks whilst retaining beauty, sensitivity and harmony having developed a very unique and holistic approach to hairdressing.
Dario began his career working for several high-profile salons within Australia and as his career unfolded, he realised he wanted to further himself outside of the salon space, entering the fashion and beauty industry as a session stylist.
In 1999 he became an educator, teaching and mentoring other hairdressers worldwide soon to form a well-recognised, multi-award winning education company.
He also has a love of modernist art and architecture and an intuitive feel for hair fashion and the founder of the Gino Fossano Scholarship
After a very touching video tribute, together, the Langford family then invited Dario to the stage, inducting Dario Cotroneo, a great friend to the awards new namesake, to the 2022 AHIA Dennis Langford Hall of Fame.
With a heartfelt and touching speech form Dario, this was certainly a highlight of the night.
