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ColorSphere Takes Milan: A Global Goldwell and Kao Creative Destination
A two-day celebration of artistry and inspiration for the global color community, featuring a packed house and the Global Creative Awards.
by Staff
September 24, 2025
The Runway Show at the Global Creative Awards reflected Milan as the Fashion Capital of the World.
4 min to read
The Runway Show and Global Creative Awards included high-energy dance presentations.
On September 14 and 15, stylists from around the world traveled to Milan, Italy, for ColorSphere, Kao Salon Division's global event for the professional color community. The event brought together its global Goldwell community of more than 1,200 colorists, salon professionals, and educators for an immersive celebration of color, craft, and community.
GOLDWELL PULLS OUT THE STOPS
Across trend talks, interactive workshops, masterclasses, model showcases, networking spaces, and the grand finale of the runway show and Global Creative Awards, ColorSphere delivered inspiration and actionable education geared to elevate salon creativity and business results.
“The energy, creativity and community spirit we witnessed throughout ColorSphere surpassed all our expectations,” said Dominic Pratt, President, Kao Salon Division. “What better place than in the fashion capital of Italy to experience the transformative power of beautiful color fueled by Goldwell’s people, products, and leadership for the future.”
Throughout the event, attendees experienced look-and-learn sessions by the world’s most admired creative artists and educators. Collaborations allowed participants to work side-by-side with educators and get direct feedback and personal guidance. Business sessions equipped stylists with future-ready insights on tech, innovation, AI, and salon success.
Attendees experienced a multi-sensory journey including a Silent Disco.
Guests attended masterclasses by Seung Ki Baek and Kylie Bussing, Jessica Price and Ashley Hood, Marianne Jensen and Gianluca Spagnuolo, Nicci Welsh and Huub Eysink, Mio Sota and Didier Lachapelle, Sal McKinzie, AI expert Andi Alleman, and more.
Welcome to ColorSphere Milan.
THE GLOBAL CREATIVE AWARDS WINNERS 2025
The event culminated with an unforgettable Milan-style runway show to celebrate the winners of this year’s Global Creative Awards, Goldwell’s thrilling color competition and a celebration of talents from around the world competing live and showcasing their most trendsetting work.
Kelly Conroy, Head of Global Education, Kao Salon Division
Goldwell is happy to announce the winners of the Global Creative Awards 2025 in the Technical and Editorial categories:
Technical Categories
New Talent Colorist of the Year
Showing talent and technical ability in this category designed for stylists with less than five years of experience.
GOLD: Marcus Liow, 8 PLUS HAIR STUDIO, Malaysia
SILVER: Vincenzo Cascio, MD Hair Atelier, Switzerland
BRONZE: Eve Chen, OHHO hair salon, Taiwan
Creative Colorist of the Year
The ultimate color competition open to all stylists with the passion and drive to compete in the world of color.
GOLD: Svetlana Jouini, Studio S.Style, Norway
SILVER: Rita Weng, OHHO hair salon, Taiwan
BRONZE: Demelza Button, Sfumato Hair, Australia
Creative Hair Cutter of the Year
Precision cutting competition for all passionate haircutters.
Creative Hair Cutter of the Year GOLD Winner: Alex Tant, The Upper Hand Salon, USA
GOLD: Alex Tant, The Upper Hand Salon, USA
SILVER: Fiona Machaz, MD Hair Atelier, Switzerland
BRONZE: Emma Jones, New Wave Hair, UK
Editorial Categories
Men’s Hairstylist of the Year
Mastery and expertise in men’s styling, barbering and grooming. Creating cutting-edge men’s looks.
GOLD: Fiona Machaz, MD Hair Atelier, Switzerland
SILVER: Benson Ku, N.BORN, Taiwan
BRONZE: Mira Pitkänen, Hiusstudio Art, Finland
Avant Garde Stylist of the Year
Pure unbridled creativity. Pushing the boundaries of conventional hairstyling.
From left-to-right: Salome de Wet, Zoe O'Day, the Avant Garde Stylist Silver Winner, with Kelly Donahue, and Jools Purchase
GOLD: Heng Meng Hui, Decrypt Hairdressing, Malaysia
SILVER: Zoe O’Day, The Upper Hand, United States
BRONZE: Carlos Alvarez, Trademark Salon, United States
From left-to-right: Salome de Wet, Carlos Alvarez, the Avant Garde Stylist of the Year Bronze Winner, with Kelly Donahue, and Jools Purchase
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MASTERCLASSES AT COLORSPHERE
Spectrum Secrets
Kylie Bussing and Seung-Ki Baek blended the uniqueness of Goldwell Elumen hair color with the bold creativity of Italian artistry. Stylists explored brand-new coloring techniques, each inspired by the legendary brushwork and palette mastery of iconic Italian painters.
In her education session, Kylie Bussing was inspired by the legendary brushwork and palette mastery of iconic Italian painters.
Chroma Chronicles
Ashley Hood and Jessica Price unlocked the secrets behind the most captivating shades in hair color — Blonde, Brunette, and Red. Participants explored the art behind multi-dimensional color through high-impact demos, exclusive tips, and customizable formulations rooted in the Goldwell color portfolio.
Hair Color Exposed
An interactive presentation with Sal McKinzie, revealing the “why” behind hair color and product selection as well as solutions for everyday challenges behind the chair.
Trends Translation
Goldwell artists Marianne Jensen and Gianluca Spagnuolo unveiled the future of beauty with an exclusive preview of the 2026 trends in hair color, style, fashion, and makeup.
Oribe x Goldwell
Led by Oribe Principal Artist Nicci Welsh & Goldwell Artist Huub Eysink, this session showed how to translate current editorial techniques to the salon and successfully stage and capture them in a photoshoot.
The Finish Line
Mio Sota and Didier Lachapelle elevated the styling game in this class on professional finishing techniques using Goldwell StyleSign, Kerasilk, and KMS Hair styling products.
AI-Powered Creativity
AI expert Andie Alleman shared how AI can elevate stylists’ artistry, streamline client engagement, and unlock new ways to create and connect — from personalized consultations to content creation and business insights.
About Goldwell
Goldwell is a salon-professional brand of Kao Salon Division. Its professional hair products are dedicated to bringing stylists’ and their clients’ aspirations to life. Since 1948, Goldwell has been known for breakthrough innovations in the salon industry with well-known sub-brands such as: Topchic, Colorance, Elumen, Dualsenses, StyleSign, and Varis.
Please visit: www.goldwell.com
About Kao Salon Division
Kao Salon Division is part of the Skin Care and Hair Care Business of Kao Corporation, offering professional products and services to stylists around the globe. It is home to Goldwell, KERASILK, KMS Hair, Oribe and Varis. The mission is to make life beautiful for salons, stylists and their clients through sustainable practices, salon business growth, advanced services, innovative products, and inspiring education.
Please visit: www.kaosalondivision.com, www.kao.com
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