New york trip for lct winners

The Big Apple was the photo shoot location for the winners of the 2008 L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy.

Winners Lisa Redman and Catherine Seeman from Mack Hairdressing, Chelmsford, and Men's Image award winners Anna Chapman and Kate Wilson from Trevor Sorbie, Brighton were greeted at the airport by a limousine and whisked away to an impressive Manhattan hotel.

"The hotel suite was massive," says Kate. "Anna's room was in the penthouse, which was breathtaking. The hotel itself was really beautiful and totally original. I'd never been anywhere like it before."

Anna was also stunned at the warm welcome they received. "Being treated to dinner every evening at exclusive restaurants in the city was amazing," she says. "We were treated like A-list celebrities!"

The best part of the trip was the shoot itself. "We were working in the trendy meat-packing district with a top photographer, make-up artists and fashion stylists. It actually felt like we were starring in our own movie," says Anna.

"It was a motivating atmosphere working with a different team with fresh and innovative ideas that we combined to create unique but on-trend styles," adds Lisa.

The team was briefed by L'Oréal Professionnel to create a textured, messy but soft look with a bold London feel. On the day, everyone came armed with ideas and up-to-date images to help them achieve the look.

 "We had the luxury of taking in all of the surroundings and focusing on our model, without any of the stress that goes with setting up and organising your own shoot," says Kate. "Everything had been organised for us and we had a great support team."

Lisa and Catherine created soft waves for an edgy, undone style. "There was a great buzz on the day and working with such a fabulous team meant the atmosphere was fantastic. I was really excited about creating a look for L'Oréal Professionnel and having the opportunity to work in such a creative environment," says Lisa.

Working together meant everyone knew how the finished image would look and were able to deliver the goods with stunning results.

As plans changed and new ideas were thrown around, the team learnt valuable lessons. "I was able to develop my skills by observing those around me and working with such creative people was a real inspiration," says Catherine. Lisa agrees: "I now know that I have the ability to cope with demanding situations and I can adapt to deal with any challenges that arise. It was an unforgettable experience and the whole team rose to the challenge."