Wella National TrendVision Awards 2025 Focus: Special Interview with Gold Winner Doné Foti

This year’s Wella TrendVision event in Pretoria has been especially exciting for South African stylists with the fantastic win by Doné Foti in the highly competitive Transformation category, winning Gold.

We are delighted to be able to feature Doné today: how she embraces her creative process, how she developed her stunning winning look, and talk about the path that led her to this stage, as an insightful and aspirational feature for all stylists in South Africa.

By sharing her passion, dedication to the craft, invaluable team support, and the career impact of this achievement, we celebrate the vibrant artistic creativity, flair, and emerging talent within the South African hair community.

Let’s talk to Doné

Being at TrendVision felt surreal. It wasn’t just one dramatic moment, but through many small moments that hit me throughout the night. I was unbelievably nervous and excited. Seeing my work displayed on the big screens made everything feel real.

Standing on the stage came with another wave of realisation. I’ve sat in that audience myself before, watching my dad compete and dreaming I would one day be up there. Suddenly, I wasn’t the girl in the audience anymore, I was the artist on the stage.

I’m incredibly grateful to my model, makeup artist, and photographer. Their trust and professionalism brought my vision to life perfectly.

TrendVision wasn’t just a night for me, it was the moment I stepped into the artist I’ve always hoped to become.

What initially inspired you to enter the Wella TrendVision Award competition?

For years, I sat in the audience watching TrendVision, cheering for my dad and admiring the artists on stage. I always dreamed of being brave enough to enter. This year, something shifted. I wanted to push myself creatively and see how far I could go. Placing Top 6 on my first entry was incredibly validating.

How have your past experiences and training shaped your creative process?

I’ve been privileged to learn under my father, Don, who has entered TrendVision many times. I assisted him, did makeup, and spent years absorbing the process behind competition work. That mentorship shaped how I approached my own transformation with intention, structure, and creativity.

How important was the team dynamic during preparation?

TrendVision rules mean you can’t receive any physical help, every foil, every section, every detail must be done by you. But emotionally, my team supported me completely. DJ Hairdressing, especially my dad, gave me the confidence and strength I needed.

What was the initial concept or vision for your transformation look?

I wanted something intentional, different, and striking, but still salon relevant.

Model choice was crucial, a lesson reinforced by ambassadors like Flo, Charles, and Ezra. I chose a model whose features suited my colour story. My vision blended futuristic edge with organic softness, smoky mocha depth, milk-blonde brightness, and pearlescent cendré tones inspired by the Wella palette.

How did the look develop from concept to execution?

I studied her features, undertones, and hair movement before even beginning. I mapped out where depth should sit, where light should fall, and how everything should melt seamlessly. Using teasy lights, AirTouch, mocha lowlights, a root shadow, and a cendré melt, I built the look. Working alone under pressure was challenging, but preparation and mentorship guided me through it.

What do you think made your look stand out for the judges?

The completeness of the transformation.

Every element aligned, the model’s skin tone, the Wella palette, the blending, the shine, the photography, and the makeup. I followed the brief exactly and ensured nothing felt unfinished. The look told a full story, not just a colour change.

What trends or techniques do you see emerging in South Africa?

Two movements are growing:

Natural, lived-in colour for everyday clients and high-impact icy blondes is returning for trendsetters.

Technique-wise, smarter placement, dimensional blonding, root shadows, and health-focused blonding with bond builders will dominate.

What advice would you give to stylists entering competitions?

Believe in yourself.

Even if you don’t place, entering brings you closer to growth. Humble yourself and ask questions; learn from those who have made mistakes before you.

Never stop educating yourself. I’ve done my Masters twice because growth is a lifelong journey. Keep learning, keep trying, and you will get to the stage.

Winning the Wella TrendVision Award has been a milestone in my career, a moment where years of learning, mentorship, and creativity came together. It’s proof that dreams from the audience can become reality on the stage, and that preparation and passion truly pay off.

I would also like to mention a very special thank you to Sybil, Mariska, Elizma, and Chris for all the motivation and education you’ve given me. Your encouragement has been invaluable in helping me grow as an artist. And a big thank you to Wella and especially Chris, for hosting this incredible event, making it so special, and driving us all to be the best we can be.

This victory is not just mine; it belongs to everyone who believed in me, supported me, and helped me step into the artist I’ve always hoped to become.