"Honoring the Past and Embracing the Future" was the theme at the recent Intercoiffure America Canada Fall Atelier for 2015 held at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in NYC.

Trends trending included a controversial Political Hair Show, taking what is happening in the world today and translating the sadness of the refugees and the immigration crises to present the most provocative, the most serious, the most fun show of the 2-day event while, at the same time, making hair and fashion statements.

Congratulations are in order to  Perry Monge and his Team, Perry Monge SalonSpa, Phoenix, AZ, Intercoiffure, and Wella Professionals, the sponsor, for Intercoiffure's Nouveau "Refugee" hit show.  After the gasps, the audience loved the show, which just got better and better and reached a peak when the thrilled and oh so proud staff came on stage at the end, each wearing T-shirts with a message.  The small details, easy to miss, made this show very special.

The messages on the models with minds as open and caring as we hope yours will be were thought provoking.  They were each dressed in uniform black clothing, which shouted loud and clear "that people, no matter where they come from, are all the same. The clothing," according to Perry Monge, "offered stark contrast to the hair, reflecting the beauty that is in everyone.  Hate is what we create.  Beauty is innate.  United, we can bring out the beauty in everyone."   Take a look at the photos and think Unity. Peace. Love. Hope.

There is a new ICA administration this year.  Van Council of Van Michael Salons in Atlanta, Artistic Director, and Frank Gambuzza, President, who stated, " … there will be a shift in thinking, as status quo has never been my strong suit.  It will take some risk, and with risk you sometimes get ruffled feathers." Accolades to all. Even if (Boo Hoo) no one invited me this year to Wella's "Creative Black Tie" Sunday Night Gala Dinner and Trend Show.  Except to the balcony!   So I didn't get to see or photograph (except one photo of a man backstage) what I understand was a great show and evening …

Here is what I did find out.  Hair Color continues to be the biggest trend.   The greys and lilacs made a big color statement for the young at Intercoiffure, Coming on strong for Fall and Winter, warm peach and apricot shades replacing the pinks. Romantic curls, waves, textures are replacing stick straight hair. I didn’t cover the education seminars but they offered a lot to learn.

Check out some of the best hair from some great talents, who included Van Council showing "Love & Compassion" and a wonderful singing clown at the Press Lunch sponsored by Aveda … Guy Tang , the hot hairdresser, king of "Hair Besties", sponsored by Olaplex, who talked with Tracey Cunningham on "The Power of Social Media" – he has almost 1 Million followers on Instagram for starters  …

Lana Svetlana for Label.m styled Avant Garde Aliens (I missed some great looks by Richard Mannah and  Efie Davies) all with great make up by Campbell Ritchie …  David Kinigson showed some trendy hair colors, sponsored by Artego The Beecher Group …  Reg Laws, Linh Nguyen, Winston Thompson for PR at Partners presented the Sympatico Collection and a sexy short bob, sponsored by Wella … and last, but not least, Canadian John Donato, Donato Salons, sponsored by Wella, presented masked ladies in his Split Decision collection.  Wow!

To view and be inspired by all the shows, hair and photos:

Intercoiffure Nouveau – Refugees: 
http://www.helenoppenheim.com/thisthat/showtime/?occur=1&slide&album=310&photo=4377

Intercoiffure Fall Atelier:
http://www.helenoppenheim.com/thisthat/showtime/?occur=1&slide&album=309&photo=4355

          www.helenoppenheim.com