Paul mitchell put on a hair extravaganza at the gathering 09
High-tempo hair shows, inspiring business and creative seminars and, of course, a fantastic party filled an action-packed agenda when hairdressers from across the globe congregated in Las Vegas for the Paul Mitchell Gathering.
And while the extensive education programme - that consisted of creative cutting and colour workshops, where delegates were taught how to recreate Paul Mitchell's latest collection: Six Figures; and business seminars where delegates were given the tools to get the best out of their salons in this tough economic climate - gave hairdressers and salon owners plenty to think about, it was the spectacular shows at the beginning and end of the Gathering that got everyone talking.
The Theatrical Opening Show
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the death of company co-founder Paul Mitchell, the Paul Mitchell Artistic Directors -Angus Mitchell, Robert Cromeans, Scott Cole and Takashi Kitamura - put on a dramatic show of 13 models in 13 minutes.
Inspired by Paul's work, the models conveyed a strong 80s vibe, featuring blondes infused with pastel peaches and indigo blues; brunettes infused with red and petrol blues and boundary-pushing pinks and greens.
Highlights included the use of balloons to section the hair, models plucked from the crowd and a stunning platinum crop that was accented with a pink star and finished with a burst of glitter by Paul Mitchell co-owner and artistic director of education, Angus.
Next it was over to fellow Creative Directors Linda Yodice and Stephanie Kocielski to put on a colour spectacular.
As the VT beamed out revelations about the evolution of redheads - a mystery that has scientists perplexed - and how eyes become the focal point of a brunette's face, models took to the catwalk in dramatic hues of burned orange, copper, deepest mahogany, and rich chocolate browns.
While the 'eyes' have it when it comes to brunettes, it is a blonde's hair that seizes the attention, so Linda and Stephanie worked live on stage to hand paint rich red and ink black focal points onto a trio of platinum blonde bobs to fully showcase the impact that fair hair can have.
The Ecclectic Grand Finale
Photos of the creative shows | Workshop and seminars photos
With the audience buzzing after two days of inspiration, the Gathering reached its climax at the Grand Finale, where the artistic directors each injected their own personalities into a separate segment.
Perhaps the biggest cheer of the Gathering was reserved for Angus, Scott and Takashi, who gave their own rendition of Beyonce's Single Ladies video, dressed in leotards and fishnets.
Each then created complementary models to show their style with Takashi demonstrating his unique speed-scissor style to create a blonde bob with an on-trend quiff with a twist, while Angus and Scott worked with disconnection and asymmetery.
Artistic director Stephanie pushed creativity to the limit with a cartoon-like demonstration where hair was accessorised with a converse trainer, a wheel hub, Barbie doll legs and freshly spun candyfloss. 
The Far East was the focus for Linda, who personalised a classic bob shape with shocking pink wefts and a cubist hat-like accessory also created from wefts.
Finally, it was down to Robert who mirrored the metaphorical fireworks of the show by creating flame and firework-effect hairstyles using wefts in flame reds and oranges, neon yellow and royal blues to create .
Rapturous applause erupted as the Artistic Directors returned to the stage for the final showcase and Angus, the Paul Mitchell co-owner and artistic director of education, told the thrilled audience: "This show has been every bit as entertaining as any other show you could see on the strip in Vegas this week."
Photos of the creative shows | Workshop and seminars photos
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