Uk triumph at the la biosthetique international beauty stylist awards

Paris's Arc nightclub, beneath the shadows of the Arc De Triomphe, was the cosmopolitan location for the La Biosthetique International Beauty Stylist 2011. 

Established since 2001, the awards now have entrants from 13 countries as far afield as Canada and New Zealand, while 2011 also saw the introduction of a new award for colour.

Hair colour icon Annie Humphreys and industry legend Tim Hartley had the tough job of selecting the winners and Annie, who was also co-host for the fun-packed evening, said: "I am really proud and excited to be the first to judge the colour competition and I think it is really important it has been introduced.

"You are all looking marvellous tonight and you have some great photos that really show off these great products."

Each of the finalists had already proved their talent by being selected as their country's national winner and Annie told them: "I think you have all done a fantastic job. It is tremendous just to be here,"

Flying the flag for the UK was the La Biosthetique International Beauty Stylist 2010 winner Helen Tether, who created a head hugging bob with an angular perimeter and exagerrated fringe.

Her dramatic imagery wowed the judges and saw her retain the prestigious prize, much to the delight of the British guests.

"I had a great model with, dare I say it, a great hair cut and the whole look just came together," Helen explained. "I am still in shock though. I didn't expect to win it again."

Meanwhile the inaugural winner of the colour award was Poland's national winner Monika Kisielewicz who triumphed with a beautiful multi-tonal rust pageboy crop. 

A Black Swan-inspired ballet performance, a jaw-dropping contortionist routine and a high energy set from singer Peter von der Heide really ignited the continental party.