VietNamNet Bridge – It was a hair-raising event. Fifteen Vietnamese hair designers have showed off their interpretations of "The French Beauty" in the semi-final round of the francophone-themed L’Oreal Colour Trophy competition, which is being held for the first time in Viet Nam.

The group of finalists, selected last week by a panel of L’Oreal Professionel judges out of more than 500 entrants, comprises five from Ha Noi, seven from HCM City and one each from Nha Trang, Binh Phuoc and Hai Phong cities. The stylists coiffed models for the live runway show at Park Hyatt Saigon.

"I’ve been really impressed by the quality of work: with sharp cuts, forward-thinking ideas and consideration for the overall look," said well-known Japanese hairstylist Shunji Matso, a L’Oreal Colour Trophy judge. "Cut, colour, make-up, clothes styling and the model, all come together creating real professionalism and winning potential."

The 15 stylists will take part in a live final at a gala at the White Palace in HCM City on October 16. There, the judges will see the stylists’ techniques in action, and hear about their inspirations and their visions.

The grand-prize winner will receive a hairstyling course in France worth US$5,000. First prize is a hairstyling course in South Korea worth $4,000; a $3,000 hairstyling class in Beijing goes to the second runner-up. The third and fourth runners-up will each receive awards of $1,500 to put towards upgrading their salons.

In addition to the competition, the gala night will feature L’Oreal Professionel Ambassador Govin Simon Koh’s Autumn-Winter 2009 collection, "Rock&Folk," as well as Matso’s collection, "Cenentary Beauty: the beauty of hair through many periods".

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News