Kao Salon Division proudly presented the eagerly awaited 2023 Kao Salon Global Experience, celebrating a sensational burst of creativity, innovation and inspiration.

This two-day extravaganza welcomed more than 2000 stylists from around the globe for an unforgettable showcase of extraordinary presentations, a thrilling live competition and engaging artist performances in the vibrant city of Chicago.

“At Kao Salon, creativity isn’t just a buzzword – it’s our DNA,” says Dominic Pratt, President, Kao Salon Division. “Our commitment to innovation, imagination and integrity drives us every day, and Kao Salon Global Experience is the epitome of this ethos.”

Some of the many highlights of the event include the Global Creative Awards evening with the announcement of the new winners, the premiere of the new “Hair Every Wear 3.0” collection of Global Goldwell Ambassador Angelo Seminara, as well as the “Eras of Anarchy” collection of the Rush Artistic Team, which is inspired by and paying homage to the exemplars of British fashion.

“We want to take the audience on an eclectic journey, a visual feast that inspires in an inimitable Rush style,” said Andy Heasman, Rush International Artistic Director.

The winners of the Global Creative Awards are:

● New Talent Colorist of the Year: ○ GOLD: Samantha Dixon, Canada ○ SILVER: Winnie Wong, Singapore ○ BRONZE: Frank Wong, Hong Kong

● Creative Colorist of the Year: ○ GOLD: Cheng Jian Yang, China ○ SILVER: Alo Lo, Hong Kong ○ BRONZE: Tina Casciato, Canada

● Creative Hair Cutter of the Year: ○ GOLD: Desiré van den Ende, Benelux ○ SILVER: Sabrina Grossenbacher, Switzerland ○ BRONZE: Marilyn Vendittelli, Canada

● Men’s Hairstylist of the Year: ○ GOLD: Marilyn Vendittelli, Canada ○ SILVER: Christian Ríos, Spain ○ BRONZE: Laurens van Essen, Netherlands

● Avant Garde Stylist of the Year: ○ GOLD: Amanda Magistro, Australia ○ SILVER: Zoe O’Day, United States ○ BRONZE: Tom Yek Teng siong, Malaysia

● Salon Team of the Year: ○ GOLD: Industry Hair & Esthetics, Canada ○ SILVER: Salon Cyan, Canada ○ BRONZE: Renaissance Salon & Estetica, Canada

● Editorial Colorist of the Year: ○ GOLD: Stevan Dulay, United Kingdom ○ SILVER: Caroline Brand, United Kingdom ○ BRONZE: Stacey Smoker, United States