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118 | BEAUTY LAUNCHPAD | MAY 2016 Hair competitions are tough enough, but Sebastian Professional threw in a few twists to truly test stylists for its What's Next Awards, held at Miami's Ice Palace Film Studios. Competitors in three categories (Professional, Affi liated Artist and Student) met their models the day before the event, with mere hours to consult with a makeup artist and clothing stylist to create head-to-toe looks for the on-stage presentation, inspired by Sebastian's hair collection Metamorphik. "This is a fantastic event, because it's all about the artistry," notes Sal Mauceri, Regional Senior Vice President of North America Professional Beauty and Global OPI in the Coty Professional Beauty Division. "This is where stylists express every part of their skills and craftsmanship they've learned." In the North American contest's fourth year, more than 900 entrants jockeyed for the win; three fi nalists in each category advanced to the Miami main event to wow judges who included Global Artistic Directors Michael Polsinelli and Shay Dempsey, along with 2015 What's Next Professional winner Oliver Shortall. Winners in each category snagged $1,000 cash and a professional photo shoot, plus one-of-a-kind goodies and experiences: a stylist starter set for the Student victor; an all-inclusive trip to assist at NYC Fashion Week (Professional); and an all-day mentorship with top Sebastian artists in Los Angeles (Affi liated Artist). The fi nalists' last-minute models strutted their styles in front of a 400-strong live audience, while Sebastian Professional Design Team artists Anthony Cole, Daniel Ditommaso, Diva Poulos, Marylle Koken and Omar Antonio demoed their technical chops with creative cuts and styles using Sebastian must-haves (including its newest styling superstar, Dark Oil). Ultimately, Professional Damaris Earlewine, Affi liated Artist John-Paul Colombo and Student Safi ya Aboaen were named winners for their boundary-pushing creations, but the Sebastian team believes that everyone involved reached new heights. "Any time you're willing to grow, you've got to put yourself in an uncomfortable situation," Polsinelli muses. "That's when success happens." —TRACY M ORIN News THE NEXT BIG THING Affi liated Artist winner John-Paul Colombo perfects his fi nal look. Damaris Earlewine, winner in the Professional category, poses with her model. The Sebastian Professional What's Next Awards winners celebrate their victory.