L’Oréal Professionnel’s Style & Colour Trophy ANZ - WINNER

WINNER

Willis York, NZ REBECCA BRENT

I was heavily inspired by Manga and I looked to Japan for a lot of inspiration. I wanted to create a being that was a bit punk, a bit princess and tried to blend it into one little‑unicorn.

On Monday 21st August 2023, the world’s longest running and most prestigious hair event, L’Oréal Professionnel’s Style & Colour Trophy ANZ, crowned its 2023 winner through a live‑streamed grand finale that saw over 1,200 people tuning in from across the Trans Tasman. Rebecca “Bex” Brent, owner and director of Willis York Salon New Zealand was crowned as this year’s winner, with her Metamorphosis inspired look taking out first place for its response to a brief that encouraged transformation, creativity and freedom of self expression inspired by the Metaverse. Second place was awarded to Alicia Perruzza, colourist and stylist at Circles of Hair in WA, and third place to Chanel Beck, owner of Koko Blaq in WA.

Bex has run Willis York Salon in Wellington, NZ for over 16 years, and her manga inspired take on Metamorphosis was visibly emblematic of her dedication and commitment to her craft, and irrefutable love of colour. In a first for the event, Australia and New Zealand became one, with professionals invited to offer limitless hair looks and showcase their unique talents under one umbrella.

Now in its 67th year globally, Style & Colour Trophy recognises the best of the best in hair styling and colouring, and works to shine a spotlight on the industry’s rising stars, turning the best among them into internationally renowned profiles in the world of hair. Celebrating the creativity and skill of hair artistry, the contest brings incredible excitement and energy to the industry, inspiring hairdressers around the world to strive to push the limits of what is possible not only in the salon, but on the world stage. Once again, the iconic competition was available to everyone within the hairdressing industry, no matter their level of expertise or years of experience. This year also saw the in person gala event return after four years, held at The Star Casino, Sydney, with over 400 attendees in person and hundreds tuning into the live stream.

An opportunity that every hairdresser dreams of, Bex’s winning look will be entered into the Style & Colour Trophy Global Semi Final, where the international judges will review all other winners from participating countries across the globe, before selecting their top 6 finalists to compete for the global title in October 2023.

BEX’S WINNING FORMULA

1. Lightened with Blond Studio 8 with Bonder, 30 vol.

2. Highlighted with MajiContrast – 2 parts Red and 1 part Copper and clear / 10.0 + 9 vol.

3. Styled with Rebel Push Up mousse and Air Fix Hairspray.

4. Plus Metal detox oil used throughout the hair.