THE EVENT: The kick off of the R+Co Collective multi-city tour, an evening program designed to educate and inspire stylists. This first stop took place in NYC.

DETAILS: More than 250 salon owners and stylists braved snowy conditions to attend the show, which included a moderated panel discussion and live cutting and styling from Thom Priano, Howard McLaren and Garren. MODERN’s own Beauty and Fashion Director Maggie Mulhern moderated the panel. Following the discussion, the artists took to the stage for individual cut and styling demonstrations that showcased their skills and their personal aesthetic as they each transformed a model. During Priano’s demo, McLaren joined him on stage to show the audience how to use the newly launched R+Co app to offer in-depth client consultations and easy email follow-up. Stylists were invited to experience the app for themselves in the Tech Lounge after the presentation.

HIGHLIGHTS: The unfiltered Q & A segment was a highlight for attendees. The artists answered questions ranging from their favorite part of the hair industry to their go-to products to the movies they look to for reference and their tips for aspiring editorial and celebrity stylists. Following the event, attendees lined up to meet the artists and have them sign pictures and recent magazine covers they had styled, including the March 2015 issues of Vogue and Details. Jack Panico of the Panico Salons in New Jersey, just one of the industry superstars in the audience, said at the conclusion, “This was historic. These three have never appeared together, creating hair, in front of hairdressers. It was a great night.”

THE LAST WORD: “Attendees were thrilled to see these three legends on stage, and hearing them talk candidly about their careers and what inspires them was really powerful,” said R+Co President Reuben Carranza. “Our brand is all about the Culture of Hairdressing, so a personal connection with our artists is a big part of what makes the brand real.”

NEXT STOP: The Collective makes its next stop in Los Angeles on July 13, 2015, and will follow that with a show in Chicago on August 16, 2015. Additional dates to be announced. Tickets may be purchased at randco.ticketleap.com.