Aveda celebrates change and creativity at Autumn Equinox event.
Aveda brought together their vibrant community of salons for its spectacular Autumn Equinox event at the breath-taking Amber Lakes Resort. This unique gathering, held amidst acres of serene forest, marked the seasonal transition and celebrated the artistry and innovation of the Aveda brand.
The event kicked off with a delicious breakfast as guests arrived to stunning views across the lakes, setting the stage for a day filled with inspiration and connection. Attendees experienced a full house, ready to immerse themselves in the artistry of Aveda.
Highlighting the day's events, Aveda’s International Technical Capability Manager Joe Hill showcased transformative hair colour techniques, including a playful pink on industry influencer Chloe Swift, drawing inspiration from social media trends.
Antoinette Beenders, Aveda’s Global Senior Vice President of Professional Artistry, flew in from the United States to debut her ground-breaking collection, Astral 2.0. This new collection blends real-life models with AI-generated imagery, creating a stunning, dreamlike visual experience. In her live demonstration, Antoinette showcased her innovative ridge technique, a hallmark of her collaboration with designer Iris van Herpen. Reflecting on the collection, Antoinette said, “With Astral 2.0, I wanted to push the boundaries of what’s possible in hair artistry. This collection is about exploring uncharted territory—playing with textures, dimensions, and forms that feel both futuristic and deeply expressive.”
Aveda proudly recognises the community of hairdressers as ‘Aveda Artists’ - a collective of creative, skilled, and intuitive professionals who harness the power of the Aveda brand. The Aveda Artist Collective is a vibrant celebration of all within the Aveda network, showcasing their unique artistry and vision. During the Autumn Equinox 2024 event, six inspiring Aveda Artists presented their distinctive interpretations of colour, cut, and style: Grant Carr from Nineteen Twenty, Jack Sharland and Billy Hitchcock from Meraki, Gary Ingham and Hirotaka Hayashi from Gary Ingham Salon and Spa, Zac Fennell from BA1 Hair, Christophe Potin and Susann Hohlfeld from Aveda Lifestyle Salon and Spa, and Parys Monica from Butchers.
The day also included a breathwork session led by Natalie Steward, helping guests reconnect and refresh between presentations. The UK & Ireland Artistic Team shared their latest collection, featuring a diverse array of looks and techniques from talented artists Sam Bell, Krysia West, Judith Rennie, David Spinelli, Domenico Sansone and Karen Thomson.
As the sun set over the lakes, guests danced the night away, celebrating the collective creativity of the Aveda community. A special recognition was given to Salon Partners that had partnered with Aveda for 20+ years, highlighting the brand's commitment to long-lasting relationships within the industry.
“This event was an emotional whirlwind,” Antoinette reflected. “First, it’s the autumn equinox; then, we’re at the most beautiful location. To see all the talent we have here - the salon collective, the UKI artistic team - reminds me that we’re entering a new era of artistry at Aveda.”
The Autumn Equinox event not only showcased the artistry and innovation of Aveda but also reinforced the brand’s dedication to nurturing a creative community of hairdressers. As the seasons change, Aveda remains committed to blending science and nature to inspire beauty in every form.