Every year the Goldwell Color Zoom Challenge calls upon creative colorists and trend specialists worldwide to display their artistic talent and innovation in fashioning hot hair looks. This year's contest challenged the style setters to display their own creative interpretations of the "Play Strong" theme. The talented finalists - Kassandra Retos (New Talent Colorist category), Jesse Marcks (Partner Colorist category) and Allan Ngo (Creative Colorist category) - will soon represent the US in a live, hands - on inteational competition, to be held on October 16, 2011, in Palm Beach, Florida.
The lucky winners will be granted an opportunity to work closely with the Color Zoom Master Team to develop and create the Color Zoom 13 Collection. Here, the rising stars share their thoughts about their own personal joueys to the top.
Kassandra Retos, New Talent
Kassandra Retos of Lewis Hair Salon in Pittsburgh, certainly displayed her creativity and "new talent" in her sleek interpretation of the "Play Strong" concept. Retos aimed to create an edgy style that works in everyday life. "I took a classic bob and put a twist on it. The colors that I used were subtle yet strong," says Retos.
Aside from her recent win and a chance to nab the final title, Retos boosted her confidence as she joueyed to the top. Prior to entering this year's contest, colleagues and friends have unsuccessfully been trying to convince Retos to enter the contest. "I honestly didn't think that I had a shot, but eventually I realized that I had nothing to lose," says Retos. The experience has given this shining star a behind - the - scenes perspective of the industry, as well as exposure to cool creative projects such as photos shoots.
To ready herself for the final challenge, Retos will head to Baltimore to train with several of Goldwell's platform artists. In her spare time she plans to perfect her timing and hone her techniques.
Jesse Marcks, Partner Colorist
Jesse Marcks from Hair Excellence Salon and Spa in Sun Prairie, WI, began competing in the Color Zoom Challenge 5 years ago. "Every year has been a huge learning experience - from how to choose my model and express my interpretation through color and style, to leaing about the camera. Finding out that I've been given the opportunity to represent the US this year shows me that the last several years of hard work have really paid off," says Marcks.
Her entry celebrated the beauty of the majestic queen in the strategic game of chess. "I wanted her to look powerful, yet beautiful and dark - simplistic in a pure way," reveals Marcks, who is one of the newest additions to the Goldwell North American guest artist team. Marcks understands that having a strategy is key to winning, so she plans on practicing a lot, working on head forms and nailing down her timing.
Allan Ngo, Creative Colorist
Allan Ngo of Santa Clara, CA - based Allan's Salon is certainly no stranger to the Color Zoom spotlight. This year marks Ngo's third Color Zoom victory, but his first win in the Creative Colorist category. His award - winning style, the Asymmetrical Halo Bob, was achieved by sectioning hair diagonally and using a slicing technique, and then foiling back - to - back horizontally.
In addition to practicing day in and out, Ngo will head to Baltimore to train with the Goldwell team and inteational guest artist. His future plans include expanding his business, opening another salon and debuting a product collection under his name. Ngo hopes that another Color Zoom victory will generate lots of publicity, which will enable his business to soar to new heights.
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