EC Top Salon 2014 Recap

Tristin Kroening

Avantgarde Salon won the coveted top prize at Emerald Coast Top Salon competition, held Friday, April 4 at the newly remodeled Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. The Cutting Room Salon & Spa and As You like It Salon took the runner-up positions. 

In addition to bragging rights as the region’s No. 1 salon, Avantgarde won an advertising package in Emerald Coast magazine and a donation from Rowland Publishing for their designated charity, the Gulf Restoration Network.

EC Top Salon featured 10 of the area’s best salons in a 24-hour head-to-toe makeover competition, with results debuted in a sizzling runway show. Models strutted out wearing everything from dazzling evening gowns to more casual and colorful maxi dresses. The hairstyles were equally as diverse, with ’dos ranging from blonde extensions to trendy ombre colors paired with dramatic cuts.

More than 200 attendees enjoyed libations, delectable pasta, a silent auction, giveaways and music courtesy of B-Boy Productions. Longtime salon owner Donna Stuart was honored with a lifetime achievement award for her numerous contributions to the Destin salon industry. 

The Center for Family and Cosmetic Dentistry was the presenting sponsor and provided complimentary teeth whitening for each of the models; additional sponsors included Planet Beach Contempo Spa, Massage Envy, Emerald Coast Magazine, 654-Limo and Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa.

The judging panel included an A-list of expert professionals: Dr. Dennis Lichorwic of The Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry; Marsha Doll, owner of Marsha Doll Models; Ron Faircloth, owner of Tallahassee salon Evolv; Michelle Uhfelder, managing director of 98 Republic; and Rosemary Martinek, owner of Massage Envy. Daniel Lewis, celebrity hairstylist from Bravo’s “Shear Genius” was the event emcee. 

The 10 competing salons (and their corresponding charities) included: Magnolia Salon (PAWS); Euphoria Hair Salon (American Cancer Society); SOHO Salon & Studio (Emerald Coast Wildlife Rescue); As You Like It Salon (Horizons of Okaloosa County); Fusion Spa Salon (St. Jude’s Children's Hospital); Cutting Room Salon & Spa (Wesley Landon); Vivo Salon (Special Olympics Florida); Avantgarde Salon (Gulf Restoration Network); Serenity by the sea (Family Life Ministry); and Just Me Salon (Children’s Advocacy).