2024 AHIA CREATIVE WINNING COLLECTION
EQUILIBRIUM By JUDE McEWEN, Toni&Guy Perth
Equilibrium’ – a collection that depicts the balance between what can be perceived as ‘real’ and ‘unreal’. Inspired strongly by the modern-day challenge of knowing the role Artificial Intelligence (AI) should play in our society. Is AI helping or hindering creativity? Is an image or an artwork you are looking at authentic or is it created artificially by a computer? Is this a photograph or a video of a real person or completely computer generated? The balance of finding the good versus evil for this technology has been explored throughout my photographic collection in all facets. The exaggerated shapes and forms of hair and the extreme use of light and dark across the collection should have you asking the question of ‘is it real or unreal?
In a positive approach, the power of AI can allow creatives in many industries to view extensive data on trends, colour palettes and make choices at the click of a button. This however, can also be matched with the dark tumultuous unknowns of how far this seemingly limitless technology can go. Is there a line before creativity can be completely compromised by AI? It is a powerful and extreme balance of equilibrium.
CREDITS
Hair Stylist: Jude McEwen
Photographer: Andrew O’Toole
Makeup Artist: Janice Wu
Fashion Stylist: Ella Murphy
Celebrating Excellence: 2024 AHIA Creative Winning Collections
The 2024 AHIA Creative Awards brought together the top talent in the Australian hair industry, celebrating creativity, technical skills, and visionary design. This year’s competition showcased an array of breathtaking winning collections that highlight the artistry and innovation driving Australian hairdressing.
Spotlight on the Winning Collections
The winning collections from WA/NT Hairdresser of the Year and other categories demonstrate a remarkable blend of styles, from bold colors and intricate designs to avant-garde concepts. Each winning entry showcases the unique skill sets and creative vision of its artist, contributing to a truly inspiring display of excellence.
WA/NT Hairdresser of the Year: Innovation and Craftsmanship
One of the highlights of this year’s event was the WA/NT Hairdresser of the Year category. This award recognizes stylists who push the boundaries of traditional hairdressing, bringing innovation to life through each cut, color, and style. The winning collection displayed a refined aesthetic, blending contemporary trends with classic elements, resulting in looks that were both stylish and timeless.
Trends Reflected in 2024 AHIA Creative Collections
The 2024 AHIA Creative Awards revealed exciting trends that are set to influence the industry:
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Bold Colors: Many collections showcased vibrant, bold colors—from deep emerald greens to fiery reds and electric blues. This trend highlights the growing demand for hair that stands out and makes a statement.
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Sustainable Styling: With increasing awareness of sustainability, many stylists incorporated eco-friendly products and techniques. Sustainable styling reflects the commitment of these professionals to reducing their environmental impact while delivering high-quality results.
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Texture Play: Texture continues to be a focal point, with artists experimenting with everything from voluminous curls to sleek, straight styles. The combination of different textures within a single look adds depth and character to the styles presented.
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Geometric Cuts and Shapes: Precision cutting has become a hallmark of high fashion, and many AHIA Creative winners embraced this trend. Clean, sharp lines and bold geometric shapes create eye-catching silhouettes that feel modern and fresh.
The Impact of AHIA Creative Awards on the Hair Industry
Winning an AHIA Creative Award is more than just a recognition of talent; it also opens doors for stylists, providing them with opportunities to collaborate with top brands, work on prestigious projects, and expand their influence. The 2024 AHIA Creative Awards reinforce the importance of creativity in hairdressing, inspiring upcoming stylists to pursue their own artistic journeys.
The event has also played a role in raising the bar for quality and innovation across the industry. With each competition, AHIA continues to elevate standards, motivating artists to refine their craft and embrace new techniques. The exposure and recognition help set trends, with winning looks often becoming highly sought-after styles.
Exclusive Insights from the Winners
Many of the 2024 winners shared their inspiration and journey to the AHIA Creative Awards. For WA/NT Hairdresser of the Year, the inspiration stemmed from a mix of nature and art, blending natural tones with modern designs. According to the stylist, the collection reflects “a journey of self-expression and creativity that pushes beyond conventional limits.”
