2024 AHIA CREATIVE WINNING COLLECTION
FABRIC By BENJAMIN MARTIN, Salon XVI
Fabric, breaks down our formal understanding of what hair is and how it moves. Rather than a collection of complete hair looks and predetermined styles, Fabric explores hair as matter, almost elemental. What if hair wasn’t hair? What if we view hair as fabric or cloth, like a designer?
“This year I really wanted to test myself. I completely changed the way I approached this shoot. Instead of thinking about creating six individual hair looks, I started with one and let the processes and story evolve from there, “ says Martin. “It was a risky move, but I really leaned into it. It felt more like play and gave me the freedom to explore, test and try.” says Ben.
Playing on the Fabric theme, texture, shape, cut and colour all play a part in creating a harmonious story. Martin used epoxy techniques in the hair to create gravity defying shapes and high shine finishes to appear like silk. Patchwork detailing can be seen in the hair looks through jagged cuts and rough placements. This is also reflected in the fashion styling by mixing raw denim, metallic accents and tactile fabrics.
CREDITS
Hairdresser- Benjamin Martin
Photographer- Liane Hurvitz
Styling- Simone Farrugia
Makeup- Jannice Wu
Celebrating the 2024 AHIA Creative Winning Collections
The 2024 AHIA Creative Awards are all about celebrating the talent, artistry, and innovation found in Australia’s hairdressing industry. Each year, these prestigious awards showcase the creativity and skill of hair professionals across various categories, highlighting those who have set themselves apart with their visionary styles, techniques, and dedication. This year’s winning collections are a testament to the artistry that defines Australian hairdressing.
A Look at This Year’s Winning Categories
The 2024 AHIA Creative Awards featured a variety of categories, each crafted to highlight distinct aspects of hairdressing. From Color Excellence to Men’s Styling and the coveted Hairdresser of the Year, each category represents an aspect of the industry that requires skill, dedication, and a keen sense of current and future trends. Winning entries in each category demonstrate not only technical prowess but also a unique creative vision.
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Color Excellence
- This category showcases the incredible impact of color in hair design. Winning collections demonstrated how bold color choices, subtle blending, and innovative techniques can redefine classic styles and introduce entirely new looks.
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Men’s Styling
- Men’s styling continues to be a powerful category, with more barbers and stylists pushing boundaries. The winning collections this year illustrated how classic men’s cuts could be transformed with modern techniques and styles, from fades to creative texturing.
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Hairdresser of the Year
- The Hairdresser of the Year title is awarded to an individual who has consistently shown excellence across multiple dimensions of hairstyling. This year’s winner brought together a compelling blend of technique, style, and innovation that truly embodies what it means to be a leader in the field.
Key Trends Shaping the 2024 AHIA Creative Winning Collections
The 2024 AHIA Creative Awards saw several emerging trends that showcase the evolution of hairdressing. Here are a few key trends seen across this year’s winning collections:
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Bold Colors and Dimensional Highlights
- This year, bold, vibrant colors took center stage. Stylists played with layers of color and intricate blending techniques, creating depth and dimension that added life to their designs. From pastel pinks to vibrant blues and purples, bold color choices are set to be a major trend in 2024.
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Natural Textures and Curls
- A strong focus on natural textures highlighted the importance of embracing unique hair types and bringing out their natural beauty. Stylists worked with a variety of textures, from tight curls to loose waves, enhancing the natural structure with techniques that added definition and body.
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Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Practices
- As sustainability continues to influence the beauty industry, many entrants showcased their commitment to eco-friendly products and techniques. This year’s collections highlighted stylists who are making a conscious effort to reduce waste and use sustainable, cruelty-free products.
Inspiration Behind the Collections
Each winning collection in the 2024 AHIA Creative Awards is the result of inspiration, dedication, and hours of practice. Many of these stylists drew from sources such as art, fashion, music, and cultural trends, bringing a unique flavor to each look. For some, the goal was to make a statement with bold styles, while others aimed to enhance natural beauty with subtle, refined touches.
These collections inspire hairdressers and clients alike, providing a roadmap for trends in salons nationwide. From daring cuts to artful color applications, the winning collections offer something for every stylist and client looking to stay ahead of the curve.
What’s Next for the Winners?
Winning a title in the 2024 AHIA Creative Awards is not only a prestigious honor but also a stepping stone for future success. Many of this year’s winners have plans to continue their journey of innovation, exploring new techniques and experimenting with styles that push the boundaries of traditional hairdressing. These professionals will likely become influential figures in the industry, with their winning looks inspiring new styles and trends in salons across Australia and beyond.
Explore the Collections and Find Your Next Look
Whether you’re a stylist seeking inspiration or someone looking for a new style, the 2024 AHIA Creative Winning Collections offer a wealth of ideas. Each winning look embodies the passion, creativity, and hard work of some of Australia’s best hairstylists. Let these collections inspire your next visit to the salon, or spark ideas for creative styles you can try in your own work.
