This September, for the first time since 2019, ICA’s Fall Atelier was back in the Grand Ballroom of the New York City Hilton Midtown, and it was a true celebration of education, inspiration and connection. 

“We came back to our roots, but better and stronger—it was really beautiful,”  Intercoiffure America Canada’s President Sheila Wilson says. 

 Challenge of Success

The wild rollercoaster of a ride the salon industry has been on since 2020 was reflected in the Atelier’s theme: Challenge of Success. 

“We have challenges everywhere we go,” says Wilson. “We wanted to showcase how our members have recognized those challenges and turned them into successes.” 

Collaboration was another theme of the weekend, highlighted through members’ collaboration with manufacturers, and with each other.

Rather than the traditional Color Council with one company sponsor, this year three ICA members who represented three different companies took the stage. This “Color Collaboration” featured George Alderete, Lupe Voss, and Lisa Vann, with each colorist speaking about their personal approaches to color placement, techniques and pricing. 

For the first time ever, the “Cutting Connection” featured an all-female team. ICA members Lisa Houser, Angie Bullman, Inge Handing, and Kindsay Elgin showcased their different cutting styles, focusing on the craft.

“It was a journey of beautiful inspiration and beautiful moments,” Wilson says of the on-stage education. 

Anna Pacitto’s Final ICA Collection

Since 2019, Anna Pacitto has served as ICA Artistic Director alongside Wilson as president. Both will step down in 2025, making this Pacitto’s last ICA presentation with her manufacturer sponsor, Davines.

“Because of Anna and Davines, ICA was the only organization in 2020, 2021 and 2022 that put out collections,” says Wilson. “We did it via email, streaming, social media—we found a  way. And we appreciate Anna for sharing her creativity and beauty with us the past six years.”

Atelier closed with a special video highlighting all of Pacitto’s collections from the past six years, culminating with Pacitto herself taking the stage. 

Honoring Students, Teachers, New Stylists, and Legends

ICA members also connected with educators, students, new stylists, new manufacturers and association partners,  and even a couple legends at Atelier. Through ICA competitions, many of these special guests were honored

Student competition

In partnership with Pivot Point, students who entered this competition were asked to create a submission with the theme of sustainability. The winner was Kenleigh Franse, who attended with her teacher, Lindsay Moore

Honor Your Teacher

Educators were nominated by students for excellence in education. The teachers flown to NYC and honored at Atelier were David Campbell (Tampa), Amanda Dwinnell (Idaho Falls), Ellysse Clark (Knoxville), Adrienne Walker (Minneapolis), and Cindy Cline (Chicago). 

Nouveau competition

Open to stylists with five years’ experience or less, 10 finalists presented models on stage. Below are the three winners and sponsoring members:

1st place: Kylene Krueger. Sponsoring member: Lisa Vann

2nd place:  Brandy Behnke and Elisabeth Foster. Sponsoring member: Susan Haise.

3rd place: Maya McMinn and Candace Chu. Sponsoring member: Chad Cantu 

A special award was also given to Patricia Minero and the team who works with Nouveau.      

2024 President’s Award

Five people were chosen by Wilson for going above and beyond for ICA: 

Alicia Truesdale (Wella), Aimee Meyers (Davines), Daniel Kaner (Oribe), Steve Reiss (Pivot Point), and Shannon Fanshawe (Kérastase). 

Sans Bias Award

Presented to an ICA member who gives and does not expect anything in return, working for the best of the organization. This year’s honorees were Trish Storhoff and Karen Gordon.

Adolf Biecker Award

Given to a member who has worked behind the scenes  to bring attention to the organization as well as serve on the board. Sam Brocato was honored this year.

Leo Passage Award

Perry Monge was awarded for supporting mentorship and representing dedication to deeper education.

Finally, legendary hairdresser Frédéric Fekkai addressed ICA members on the last day of Atelier when he received the Visionary Award, and Gordon Miller was honored with the Spirit of Life award.

“Fekkai is one of our living legends,” Wilson says. “He has achieved so much in his business, but still feels there’s more to do in the industry.” 

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