Schwarzkopf treat their phc to an iconic convention

Everyone has their icons - be it a brand you can't live without or an outstanding individual that gets you excited - and these were revered at the Schwarzkof Professional PH Club Convention, in Manchester. 

The two day convention that celebrated 111 years of Schwarzkopf as an iconic brand in the hair industry also signified the beginning of a new era for the PH Club and provided a perfect destination for networking, creative ideas and business motivation.

After a treasure hunt around Manchester, it was time for an evening of inspiration and as 'icons' was a central theme of the evening, what better venue than under the wings of an iconic Concorde in a hanger at Manchester Airport?

Guests enjoyed a three course dinner before being mesmerised by the live show, which saw Schwarzkopf's own icons - all winners at HJ's British Hairdressing Awards - recreate some of the most revered looks from Essential Looks collections from 2001-2008.

"Essential Looks have achieved iconic status in its own right. They are a direction and inspirational voice of coming trends that span from catwalk looks to commercial couture," explained head of PPS national technical manager Stephen McDowall, who welcomed artists including Fellowship president Steven Goldsworthy; double winner of the Schwarzkopf Professional Colour Technician of the Year Anita Cox; and Harry Boocock, who has twice been named North Western Hairdresser of the Year, onto the catwalk with their creations.

With almost a decade of hair trends on display, looks varied from a classic glossy bob, to a short, spiky platinum crop and stunning redhead waves. But while there was a wide spectrum of looks on the catwalk, the message was clear: great looking hair never goes out of fashion.

Following the eight-year retrospective which also featured creations by Scott Smurthwaite, Vicky Turner, Rae Palmer, Leisa Stafford and Brent Barber, it was onto the current Essential Looks and a demonstration of The 111 year Edition part 2 for Autumn/Winter by British Hairdressing Awards Hall of Fame member Charlie Taylor.

The four trends - 40s Romance, Out of Shape, Eighties Luxe and The Dark Amazons - all had strong nostalgic vibes and Charlie explained that there would be nods to classic hairdressing techniques with a real move towards simple, pretty hair in the season ahead.

 

With the creative minds satisfied it was time for the business brains to be stimulated with rousing presentations by Green & Blacks global marketing director Mark Palmer, former Dragon's Den Dragon Richard Farleigh and GMTV life coach Pete Cohen who left the audience buzzing with their tales of success and the virtues of positive thinking.  

"Hang on to your icons, look forward to the people whom will inspire you," was the advice of Colin Sillery, managing director of Schawarzkopf and Henkel Professional UK & Ireland, and the exuberant delegates all left with a new set of icons to cling on to. 

See photos of the Schwarzkopf PHC Convention