ABC Global Community Gathering
Authentic Beauty Concept proudly hosted its annual Global Community Gathering, this time in Barcelona, celebrating the brand's fifth anniversary with a special emphasis on uniting hair professionals and beauty enthusiasts from across the globe.
This year, over 250 attendees from 20 countries gathered to connect, share, and explore the latest in haircare innovation and styling, with a particular focus on integrating the hottest trends from fashion runways.
The venue Esklandestino, which is home to number of galleries, studios, and other creative spaces, provided an industrial yet highly artistic backdrop that perfectly matched the event’s spirit. The choice of location underscored Authentic Beauty Concept’s dedication to creating experiences that inspire and invigorate the creative minds of the beauty industry. At the heart of the gathering were the meticulously curated multisensory experience zones, each a universe unto itself, designed to immerse participants in the vast expanse of authentic beauty.
Embracing Fashion Week Trends
Central to this year's event was the seamless incorporation of the latest trends from the world's fashion capitals. Anna Cofone and Adam Garland spearheaded the Fashion Week Experience Zone located in an attractive space of A Studio, offering attendees a behind-the-scenes look into the dynamic world of fashion hairstyling. Their sessions were not just demonstrations but an invitation to explore and adopt the cutting-edge styles that define contemporary fashion.
Attendees were also treated to a hair presentation by Anna, showcasing celebrity looks including the iconic styles created for Lana Del Rey, illustrating the flawless blend of high fashion and everyday hairstyling.
In the evening the dinner and party were enriched by a unique surprise hair show showcasing the work of Global Creative Advocates Hester Wernert-Rijn and Anna Cofone as well as Global Advocates Adam Garland and Juliette den Ouden with their interpretations of authentic hair.
Sustainable Innovations and Fragrance Expertise
In the Innovation Zone, placed in the segmented artistic interiors of the Khaos Gallery, the gathering also spotlighted the latest product innovations that will be launched during this year, including Hester Wernert-Rijn's introduction of the new Glow Spray Serum and the Pliable Styling Paste she co-created.
A standout attraction was the presence of the brand’s scientists, with the head of the brand’s research and development team Carolina Manocchio. They unveiled the new Beauty Potion, a testament to Authentic Beauty Concept's commitment to blending scientific innovation with natural ingredients. This zone was a deep dive into the meticulous research and development process that led to this state-of-the-art backbar treatment. Here, attendees gained exclusive insights into how Authentic Beauty Concept harnesses cutting-edge science to create formulations that are both effective and eco-conscious, embodying the ethos of sustainable beauty without compromise.
And finally, one of the creative surroundings of the Khaos Gallery also hosted the introduction of the Parisian-designed Beauty Ribbon, a statement of elegance and versatility, and the unveiling of the Authentic Art collaboration with French artist Alice Grenier, set to enhance the Season of Gifting Collection during Christmas period. Additionally, this zone spotlighted the Ukysah Hairpins, co-created with Hester Wernert-Rijn. All items were presented not just as exceptional accessories but also as pieces of art, whilst emphasizing the brand's commitment to sustainable sourcing.
The commitment to sustainable beauty was further exemplified by Juliette den Ouden in the Sustainability Experience Zone, highlighting the brand's initiatives like the refill bar, discussions on eco-conscious beauty practices and the brand’s involvement in Hairdressers without Borders.
In collaboration with renowned fragrance experts from a prestigious fine fragrance house in Paris, a zone dedicated to fragrance expertise offered an olfactory journey, highlighting the intricate art of perfume creation and its significance within Authentic Beauty Concept and its mindful experience. It highlighted the collaboration with fragrance creators such as Pascal Sillon, the perfumer behind the Amplify fragrance, providing a sensory exploration of how scents can evoke emotions and memories.
A Platform for Creativity and Collaboration
The second day was dedicated to hands-on learning and expertise. It began with a fashion week backstage experience led by Adam Garland, offering a glimpse into the professional world of high-fashion hairstyling. Juliette den Ouden conducted a workshop for prepping for photoshoots, encouraging participants to create their own looks for the following shoot, many incorporating the newly introduced Ukysah Hairpins and the Beauty Ribbon accessory.
The day proceeded with 2 further intimate masterclasses and innovation workshops, offering deeper dives into various aspects of hairstyling, hair care and product knowledge. The gathering also included a participatory segment, underscoring the brand’s practice of involving its community in the innovation process.
A Milestone Event
This two-day gathering was not just a celebration of Authentic Beauty Concept's five-year journey living the belief in authentic beauty and the key values of pure formulas, community & direct connection, authentic hair and mindful experiences but also a testament to what’s to come. The event exemplified the brand's commitment to leading the beauty industry towards a more authentic, environmentally conscious, and inclusive future.
Melissa Timperley, owner of Melissa Timperley Salon in Manchester, said “ABC Global Gathering is an event I look forward to every year. It is wonderful to meet up with like-minded talented individuals from all over the world. We learn the new trends for the year and take part in creative workshops such as brainstorming what new products we would like to create for the brand. I do not know another company that works so closely with the hairdressers that are actually using the products and genuinely taking their feedback and ideas on board.”
AUTHENTIC BEAUTY CONCEPT is a holistic premium brand co-created with a unique hairdresser collective to start a new path to authentic beauty – the #authenticbeautymovement is a community that believes in the same shared values.
AUTHENTIC BEAUTY CONCEPT Online and Digital:
To learn more about all brand’s commitment to sustainability, explore the AUTHENTIC BEAUTY CONCEPT website: authenticbeautyconcept.com.
You can also join and connect with the AUTHENTIC BEAUTY CONCEPT community online via @authenticbeautyconcept on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube and the #authenticbeautymovement hashtag.