One of the most innovative personalities in the hair business today, Hairstylist and Educator Cristiano Cora, is on his way to share his expertise with Canadian stylists. Cora has developed a technique that combines art and technology. “Hair is one of the most personal forms of self expression and an intrinsic part of our individuality and identity. Like the sculptor seeking the form and beauty in the raw rock, it is my challenge to work with my clients to help them find that identity and achieve the image that they desire,” says Cora. Cora believes in user centered design. Modern, geometric yet organic shapes that are easy to manage, low maintenance and versatile. The “Cristiano Cora” look is innovative, progressive and sophisticated—touted proudly as Luxury Hair Technology. At his studio in New York, Cristiano Cora Studio, he offers monthly workshops for stylists that combine hands-on training with access to the latest, cutting edge techniques, equipment and products with a design aesthetic that realizes a harmony of art and technology. “We strive to create new silhouettes and styles that push forward the art of the hair designer,” illustrates Cora (www.cristianocora.com). The first Cristiano Cora Studio in New York is the realization of a dream that began 30 years ago in Venice, Italy where, as a child, Cora learned from and was inspired by his mother, a talented hair stylist. In the 1980s, Cora trained and worked at Vidal Sassoon where he stayed for 20 years, first in London, then Los Angeles and finally New York as creative director of the company. With this experience, along with his passion for his craft and the desire to push forward the art of hair cutting, Cora has progressed to become an artist with a unique vision for hair design and care. Cora has chosen to use the Davines product line exclusively in his salon. Davines, is an Italian hair care company from Parma devoting itself to a sophisticated balance of beauty and eco-sustainability (www.davines.com). Sharing his passion for quality, simplicity and harmony in the art of hair, Cora offers stylists an amazing opportunity to discover and practice new skills using an exclusive product line that is pure and consumer friendly. Cristiano instructed a successful series at Western Canada Fashion Week, Rhonda Hachey Alberta Sales Manager Strogryn Sales/Davines “what makes Cristiano such a brilliant teacher is his passion for the industry, the stylist and hair, His motto is “I love hair “ and we love him!

Just recently crowned 2010 North American Hairstylist of the Year, Tony Ricci was born in Italy and raised in Edmonton. A graduate of Marvel College, he is the owner and founder of the highly successful Ricci Hair Company and has been working as a stylist for 18 years with training from Sassoon’s Academy in London, England and Los Angeles. PHABRIK Magazine's Executive and Creative Director Sandra Sing Fernandes spoke with Tony right after his win. “I’m so impressed by Tony’s ability to create a total look and get a cover shot. I was so excited to interview him to understand his creative process being an artist myself.” Tony Ricci’s mantra is “it’s never good enough”. He feels this helps with originality and keeps an artist on top of things internationally. “On the last day of my collection when I won, I was already thinking about my next collection.” Tony is continually working towards excellence and is already working towards North American Hairstylist of the Year again for next season. His winning collection was themed “Cyber Vixens”. Tony and his team have won many awards prior to this including the Mirror Awards Canadian Hairdresser of the year twice, and the Contessa Alberta Hairstylist of the year, “I was always wondering if I was good enough to place as I had won the Canadian competition twice. I’ve always wanted to do it.” For the last few years he has been focusing on inspirations from designers Yoshi Yamamoto, the late Alexander McQueen, and architecture. The North American Hair Stylist of the Year competition starts with 1200 competitors and works down to five. Then one winner is chosen. “I photographed the collection in Montreal and felt in order to win, all five photographs submitted had to be cover shots.” Tony finished shooting in Montreal and had come back to Edmonton but felt he only actually had three cover shots. So he decided to go back to Montreal and continued shooting until he had five completed cover shots. “I really loved shooting in Montreal as I was isolated from everyday business and could focus entirely on creativity for 3 days.” Tony Ricci has developed a strong team of fifteen staff who are committed to his pursuit of excellence and creating cutting edge looks. “I have an amazing team and without them none of this would be possible.” “In daily life as a hairdresser, I’m a craftsperson and create for my clients. I want my clients to walk out with something that works for them and that is personal to them, but for myself, as an artist, I’m looking for overall image and the wow factor – all the elements coming together – models, photographers, hair, makeup, etc.” Congratulations to Tony Ricci on winning North American Hairdresser of the Year.

- Shot on location at The Art Gallery Of Alberta - Photography by Studio-e.ca - Hair Davines Artistic Team -Kelly Bula, Simone De Nault, Sara Murphy, Sandy Tang - Make up by Tonia LaRiviere, James Kershaw - Stylist Sandra Sing Fernandes - Models: Ashley S, Ashley Z, Anita, Dara-Lynn.M, Adeaza, Courtney, Angelica