On Sunday night June 12 (therefore, right in the middle of Hair Festival weekend over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend), we, as the hair industry, found Wonderland, a sold out celebration of everything hair that brought the community back together in the most fun way possible.
Held offsite from Carriageworks where Hair Festival was otherwise hosted and taking over the iconic Australian National Maritime Museum, the hair industry enjoyed a beautiful, clear night on the harbour, overlooking the boats and lights of Vivid, and taking the party both inside and outside. A DJ and live band from The Collective Sound System kept the party going all night, with multiple dance floors and spaces throughout the venue and music sponsored by Artégo. You could catch the saxophonist tearing up the dance floor amidst the party-goers himself!
Installations abounded, including a flash mob performance by LED Dancers, who danced in light-up robot costumes to the audience’s delight. The dancefloor was additionally filled with Mirror Bunny dancers also from LED Dancers – that is dancers in eye-catching giant gold metal bunny suits – that party-goers had to snap the requisite selfie with. The CPR Hair 360 degree photobooth was another hit, as revellers were captured in a circular motion enjoying the party.
The bars were sponsored by Excellent Edges and MSC Boxtails, with wine sponsored by Jacob’s Creek and hero MSC Boxtails – so cocktails in a juice box – that were a feature all night. The food complemented the festival theme, with food trucks from Gelato Messina, Urban Pasta and Yummy Dogs so attendees could pick their favourite ice cream scoop, make their own pasta or grab a hot dog on the dance floor, as well as venue catering that included charcuterie, an assortment of steamed baos and slow-cooked pasta and paella for the ideal dinner or late night snack.
Walking in, attendees clicked photos in front of the glowing pink Wonderland sign, with flowers by Hermetica Flowers. It was the perfect way to capture this reunion right from the very beginning, before the dancing and partying began.
That’s what Wonderland felt like – our industry reunion, where talking, dancing and fun took over the night as we caught up with friends across states and continents after far too long. Beyond networking to what is a representation of real friendships and relationships, Wonderland was more than just a party, it was the necessary platform to truly reconnect and celebrate our hair industry as a whole – with dancing bunnies.
All we can say is we’ll see you next year!
For more information visit www.hairfestival.com.au
Photography credit: Natalie Page – Oneill Photographics
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