The L’Oréal Colour Trophy is the longest running live hairdressing competition in the UK and Ireland, now entering its 68th year.
It started in 1954 in the UK and has progressed to become one of the most iconic hair competitions in the world.
For 2024, their aim was to elevate the standard yet again by delivering a flawless and technologically advanced event, both preserving the competition’s reputation of being the most ground-breaking in the industry as well delivering on the expectation of the UK & Ireland L’Oréal Colour Trophy Grand Finals as being the most prestigious and inspirational in the Industry - with a key emphasis on being more digitally progressive.
We were tasked with this challenge over two locations - Dublin, Ireland and the main show in London at Old Billingsgate.
We immediately set about thinking of the layering of the visitor experience - physical and digital, plus before/during/post event.
Our event brand/visual identity named “Find Form” was designed to hold the experience together, providing a North Star for all further physical and digital design.
The stage, AV design and environmental graphics were inspired by fashion shows of the past with a circular drum subject to projection mapping overhanging a long stage for the models, surrounded by a 30 foot AV screen to showcase the video and motion graphics.
From the drum we also provided a Kabuki drop moment for the main show, wowing guests and adding to the artistry and choreography on show.
It wasn’t just about the Main Stage - dotted around the event area we created various interactive activations including a neon cube for photo opportunities, an interactive colour wall, a Loreal Professional themed bar and a Form Finder lounge for VIP’s.
To supplement the physical shows and tie up the visitor experience, we also produced a “Form Finder” website that allowed guests to create their own assets for marketing and social media purposes, and an AR Filter for Instagram that allowed guests to imagine Loreal products floating over London landmarks.
We produced all digital, spatial and graphic design including Programmes, Keynote and Presentation design, and provided all AV and Technical Production, led by our in-house team.