Retro glamour rules at president's night 2011

This year's Fellowship for British Hairdressing's President's Night was always going to be a special one. The burlesque extravaganza held at London's Sheraton Park Lane Hotel, was the brainchild of much missed former president Terry Calvert, who tragically lost his battle with cancer in February.

While there was a element of sadness to the occasion, it was also a great send off for one of hairdressing's most loved personalities.

Another former president, Sean Dawson, hosted the event with his usual mix of humour and passion for the industry. "We are here to celebrate all that is good in our industry," he told guests.

This year's event also marked a unique collaboration with hairdressing industry charity HABB - a cause Sean was quick to call on everyone present to support.

The most poignant part of the evening saw Terry's widow Lindsay take to the stage and thank the industry for its support during a very difficult two months.

"I would like to thank all of you for your help and support. We have received such wonderful messages of how Terry had been part of your lives. Anne Herman has been like my second mum," said Lindsay. "Terry saw the position of president as a true honour. His enthusiasm rubbed off on many. Terry was very excited about the organisation and hosting his first President's Night, although some of his original ideas did border on the inappropriate!"

Honouring Terry's vision for the night, 20 of the industry's biggest names created their interpretation of burlesque, with their stunning models walking the length of the room to ensure everyone gathered had the chance to take in their decadent hair and clothes.

Continuing the delightfully decadent theme were two performances from burlesque dancer Billie Rae, who wowed the crowd with her tastefully tantalising performance.

On a more serious note, the HABB Honours Awards recognised three of the industry's bravest and most compassionate members.

Winner of the award for Outstanding Courage was hairdresser Daniella Richards, who has overcome several bouts of serious illness from the age of eight, remaining upbeat and never complaining.

The Compassionate Caring award went to Janet Maitland whose charity work and generally caring nature has "changed the course of numerous lives".

And taking the HABB President's Award for their fundraising efforts over the years was the Clipso Salon Group.

The evening also saw the official handover of power to the next president, Mark Creed of Philosophy in Oxfordshire - formerly the Fellowship's vice president.

"It really is a fabulous and true honour and privilege to be standing here in this position," said Mark. "It is my intention to continue the work of my predecessors and take the work of the Fellowship to the consumer. The Fellowship will become a by-word for quality hairdressing. I pledge that I will do all that I can to raise the profile of all member salons big and small."

While Mark is bound to make a huge impression during his time as president, President's Night 2011 belonged to one man - the late, great Terry Calvert. 

• See all the images from the evening, including all the models, in the HJi President's Night 2011 gallery