THE EVENT:

L'Oréal Professionnel Paris World Tour. THE VENUE: L'Oréal Professionnel Academy, 14 Rue Royale, Paris.

THE DETAILS: Twenty-seven hairdressing professionals from around the United States enjoyed six days packed with education, including two intense days at the Academy. The Alexandre de Paris Artistic Team presented "Retro Chic" and "Backstage" sessions, creating six inspiring, challenging and invigorating looks. In addition to offering classic Alexandre de Paris shapes, the team created urban looks and extended styles. Morning demonstrations were followed by afternoon hands-on recreations on mannequin heads. Our favorite is on the cover with more images on page 58.

EXTRAS: In addition to education, there was a day trip to the Mondial Coiffure Beaute Show, bus tours, a dinner cruise on the river Seine and a party at Barlotti Buddha Bar. All joyfully stayed at the absolutely amazing and historic Westin Paris, just steps from the Louvre. THE BUZZ: "I've done hundreds of hair events in the past 40 years, says Gloria Saponaro, the group travel event planner. This is one of the most artistic I've ever been involved with. We get so used to doing cut and color, we forget about dressing!"

THE LAST WORD: Cathi Brigandi of Cactus Salon in Ronkonkoma, New York says, "I am going to bring back all of this to the salon and will make more money for sure. On top of that, I will have happier clients."

Photography: Roberto Ligresti

Jo Blackwell-Preston, L'Oréal Professionnel portfolio artist and owner of DopDop in NYC, and husband Kamau Preston on Rue De Castiglione.

The group gathers at the Westin Paris Hotel.

Daniel Jones of Muse Salon, Alpharetta, Georgia and his finished 'do.

Frederic Pavard of the Alexandre de Paris team works with Connie Zaccone from Hopscotch Salon in Greenwich, Connecticut to recreate a classic shape.


The onstage presentation.


Finished looks from day two.


The Alexandre de Paris team: Yves Galler, Inda Ablin and Frederic Pavard.