THE EVENT: Color Zoom 2016, Goldwell’s 3 day global extravaganza and competition held this year in Stockholm, Sweden at 2 key venues: the Stockholmsmässan convention center and the Ericsson Globe arena.

THE DETAILS: The 2700 attendees from 38 countries were in Sweden’s capital to celebrate beauty, learn more about the latest Goldwell and KMS products, releases, news and looks, and to support the finalists in the Color Zoom Challenge competition.

COLOR ZOOM 2016: More than 1900 artists entered the 2016 Color Zoom Challenge. The competition, the headliner of the overall Global Zoom event, was inspiring - and for the United States - thrilling! The winner of the Gold in the Partner Category (and People’s Choice Award) is our own Daniel Rubin, a Chicago based artist who has been a finalist 3 times. The artists competed earlier in the morning, in front of a live audience, recreating their winning photos in front of a panel of judges including MODERN’s Editor-in-Chief, Alison Alhamed.

The complete list of winners is as follows:

Partner: Stylists who have worked for Goldwell as a freelancer, trainer or guest artist

Gold: Daniel Rubin, USA

Silver: Krysten-Ashley Garrod, Canada

Bronze: Alexandra Kontos, Australia

People's Choice: Daniel Rubin, USA

Creative Color: Stylists who have more than 5 years experience

Gold: Larissa Bresnehan, Australia

Silver: Jacky Tan, Singapore

Bronze: Van Quynh Nguyen, Vietnam

People's Choice: Colette Jones, USA

New Talent: Stylists who have less than 5 years experience

Gold: Sargis Airapetian, Russia

Silver: Georgia Wild, United Kingdom

Bronze: Manou Grijsen, Netherlands

People's Choice: Liss Dragos, Romania

THE NEW COLLECTION: The 2017’s trend was introduced during the event. "In-Flux" represents the fluidity of hair, the convergence of trends - normcore meets luxecore; feminine meets masculine; strength meets softness. Created by 2015’s global winners: the two U.S. global winners Harley LoBasso and Corrine Brown, and UK's Natalie Cara in collaboration with Rodica Hristu and Sascha Haseloff, the collection is already a topic of conversation among aspiring competitors. Says John Moroney, VP education and Global Creation Direction, “In-Flux is the most sophisticated collection to date for Goldwell.  This year, the team has created an elegant and fashion-forward collection of colors and shapes that completely embodies the idea of fluidity.  The shapes and colors morph and merge creating a couture statement that is elegant and daring.”

ARTISTIC PRESENTATIONS: The Artistic Presentations promised to educate and inspire. They did that and more.

Highlights:

-Daniel Martin, the freshly announced Ambassador for Goldwell, shared modern looks that he said that these looks, and the products used to create them, “are good for the hairdressers and good for the client.”

-Shane Bennett presented his latest collection of Avant Gard finishes, designed to inspire. Well - mission accomplished! The three-time Northern Ireland Hairdresser of the Year and the youngest stylist to enter the British Hairdressing Hall of Fame, created powerful shapes enhanced by breathtaking fashion.

-Master Design Team with Jay Mahmood, Global Haircutting Ambassador, featuring the top talent from the Master Colorist Program, Master Stylist Program and the new Master Texture Program.

-Color Zoom Creative Team with 2015 Global winners including Corinne Brown (US Partner), Harley LoBasso (US Creative) and Natalie Cara (UK New Talent), along with Rodica Hristu and Sascha Haseloff, offered the new In-Flux collection that artists will use as inspiration for their own 2017 entries.

-Mario Krankl, World champion hairstylist and one of Europe’s and Goldwell’s most distinguished hairstylists, offered up-dos, fashion forward styles and avant-garde styles.

-The KMS International Team presented fresh and aggressive looks for the global audience. Lori Panarello offered looks that best represented the neighborhoods of NYC. Simon Miller led the presentation featuring Sam Burnett, Robert Mrosek, Garreth Lenagh and Kenny Chow with Special Guest Edwin Johnston, KMS Global Ambassador.

THE ARTIST SESSIONS:

There were multiple “Artist Sessions” where industry leaders offered insight to improving business in the salon.

Highlights:

-The MBE Salon Business panel. Kao Salon’s Global President Cory Couts moderated a panel with salon owners from around the world discussing the key issues facing salon owners today, including staff retention and business excellence. “What we all came away with was the importance of team work,” Couts told MODERN immediately after the presentation. “Attracting the right staff is another concern. Owners are expected to take responsibility for the careers and happiness of the team.” When asked about trends in the global market, Couts expressed a concern he has had for years. “We have to learn that we have to communicate that a hairdressing career is a good one. A hairdresser can really make a difference in someone’s life.”

-According to many attendees, a highlight was the break out business session hosted by MODERN’s Editor and Chief Alison Alhamed and Beauty and Fashion Director Maggie Mulhern. The duo offered tips and tricks to building a following on Instagram and shared details on how to get “re-grammed” by feature pages and beauty influences – especially MODERNSALON! Alhamed and Mulhern offered tips on hashtagging, backgrounds, photos and the importance of positive commenting.

HIGHLIGHTS: Of course there were lots of parties and fun activities. The North American contingent was treated to a bus tour over the cobblestone streets of the home to the Nobel Museum, the Stockholm Palace and the 13^th centrury Storkyrkan Cathedral, followed by a boat tour via the Baltic Sea to see the 14 islands and 50 bridges that make up the city. Guests were let off long enough to visit the acclaimed Photographic Museum. A faux ABBA band performed perfect background music for the kick-off celebration. The farewell party, held at Café Opera - within the Stockholm Opera, gave everyone the opportunity to say goodbye in style. Presenters, models and ALL of the Global Zoom attendees got together to celebrate the magnificent event and congratulate the winners.

NEXT YEAR: Color Zoom 2017 will take place Barcelona, Spain! Known as the cosmopolitan capital of the country’s Catolonia region, the city is chock full of breathtaking beauty and architecture, punctuated by the magnificent Sagrada Familia church designed by Antoni Gaudi. When asked why so many artists are already signing up for Color Zoom 2017, Couts points out that it gives us all a chance to celebrate each other and the industry. “Community is a large part of it," says Couts. "The competition gives us the structure to create and show our work. There are so many lessons in this journey, which requires so many skills.The event is the carrot. There are 2 things hairdressers love: travel and fame. Color Zoom gives everyone a chance to experience both.”

THE LAST WORD:  John Moroney felt that Color Zoom 2016 was the most ambitious in the ten-year history of the event.  “The best thing about Global Zoom is watching stylists from around the world come together to celebrate artistry and creativity. From the craftsmanship of KMS to the artistry of Goldwell, there was truly something for every stylist. Pairing that with interactive elements and a strong program of stylist brand-building through social media resulted in an event that truly had something for every stylist – no matter where they were from or what their level of experience was. It was a truly inspirational weekend!”