Rachel Christie hits up Afro Hair & Beauty show

Former Miss England Rachel Christie is pictured as she arrived at the Afro Hair and Beauty Live exhibition at the Business Design Centre in Islington.

The mother of one said: “This is the first time that I’ve visited the show, I wish I had given myself more time to browse through the exhibits.”

Rachel who is the niece of Olympic medalist Lindford Christie made history by becoming the first Black Miss England in 2009. Tachel is pictured with actor Gbenga Akinnagbe who stars in The Wire and 24 TV series.

Day two of the International hair and beauty show attracted customers from across Europe and America. Rachel is pictured above with finalist from Miss Jamaica UK 2013.

Sandra who was on vocation from Jamaica said: “I’m really impressed with the scale of the show however I thought there would be more emphasis on hair rather than products.”

Highlights of the show included the Sensationnel Icon Awards which were divided into three categories – Braid Impact, Weave Genius and Avant Garde Icon!

Paula Vicker (above) who was the winner of Braid Impact said: “I based my designs on New York street styles. We’re seeing a resurgence in creative braid designs which we’ve not seen for over a decade.”

Michelle Garande (below) was awarded first place for Avant Garde Icon!

Michelle works for the Afro Therapy salon in North London told Flyer: “I’ve had the theme in my head for little over a year. The theme is based on Alice & Wonderland and the designs are focused around the main characters.”

Also pictured above was the winning style for the Sensationnel Weave Genius.

Also on display was some fantastic fashion, which included a futuristic collection by Emile London (above), which blended origami style designs using modern fabric.

Despite the absence from some of the big brands such as Sleek, Palmers and Pak’s this year’s show was even bigger and better than before. Former Miss England winner Rachel Christie said: “I will be coming next year only this time I will plan in advance and arrive earlier.”

General views from Afro Hair & Beauty Live.

There was also plenty of live entertainment including this fantastic dance group below.