Crowned Icons stands as the main event for anyone serious about beauty and fashion. This is not a typical contest. We’re bringing together top creative minds from every corner of the world for a spectacle that fuses high-fashion, performance art, and pure showmanship. The Crowned Icons main stage at the Hair Education Beauty Summit (HEBS) is where reputations are made, careers are launched, and boundaries are shattered.
We invite you to step into the global spotlight. This is your chance to show what happens when artistry, vision, and performance collide. The energy in the Meadowlands Expo Center will be unmatched. Every detail, from the choreography to the final brushstroke, will be seen by industry legends, influencers, and a worldwide audience.
Every team that joins is part of a movement. You’re not just competing—you’re rewriting what beauty and fashion can be. Your work will be streamed, judged, and remembered. The world will watch as you transform models into icons and ideas into unforgettable moments.
What Sets Crowned Icons Apart
We’re not asking for a simple walk down the runway. Crowned Icons demands a full-scale, 7–10 minute production. You’ll direct every moment. Your models will perform, not just pose. Every element must tell a story—hair, makeup, nails, fashion, music, and movement.
Each year, the competition theme challenges you to push boundaries. For 2026, it’s “THE FUTURE REIMAGINED.” You’ll interpret tomorrow through cultural heritage, nature and sustainability, sci-fi, and tech-infused luxury. This is your opportunity to show the world what’s next.
Originality is everything. We want to see bold creative themes, custom couture, and transformations that leave the audience speechless. Every detail matters. Accessories, set design, and choreography all count toward your final score. The more immersive and cohesive your vision, the higher you’ll climb.
How to Enter and What You’ll Win
Registering for Crowned Icons is simple, but the journey is intense. Every team submits a preliminary entry for just $50. The real prize is the chance to compete on the main stage for $20,000 and the title of Global Icon of the Year.
Second and third place teams receive $10,000 and $5,000, along with industry recognition that opens doors worldwide. Every finalist gets editorial press coverage, live audience voting, and the chance to impress celebrity judges and presenters. Finalists also receive exposure on Instagram and other platforms, reaching thousands of new fans and potential clients.
Spots are limited. We encourage you to start planning now. The application opens in July 2025, and only the boldest, most creative teams will make it to the main event. Don’t wait—this is your moment to build your legacy.
Main Stage Production Requirements
Each team must deliver a fully realized stage show. This includes a bold creative theme, original fashion or couture, hair and makeup transformations, and visually impactful nails and accessories. You must also include a performance component—audio/visual, choreography, or a live experience that draws the audience in from the first second.
Stylists become directors, models become performers, and every look becomes a piece of performance art. The show is judged on innovation, technical excellence, visual storytelling, cohesion, and audience engagement. Every second counts, and the judges will notice every detail.
Teams that stand out are those that bring something new. We want to see risk-taking, unexpected combinations, and a clear vision that ties every element together. The best productions feel like a single, unforgettable story told through movement, color, and sound.
2026 Theme: The Future Reimagined
Interpret the future in your own way. Draw inspiration from cultural heritage, nature, and sustainability, or lean into sci-fi and tech-infused luxury. We want to see innovation and intention in every aspect of your presentation.
Your team might blend traditional textiles with cutting-edge materials. You might use sustainable processes or futuristic silhouettes. The only limit is your imagination. Every detail—from the smallest accessory to the grandest set piece—should reflect your vision of what’s next.
Judges will reward teams that take risks and deliver a cohesive, visually stunning performance. The audience will remember the teams that make them feel something new. This is your chance to set trends and influence the future of beauty and fashion.
Submission Process and Key Dates
Start by creating a captivating video (up to 3 minutes) that showcases your completed hairstyle and how it aligns with the 2026 theme. Email your submission to Casting@thehebs.com by Friday, February 6, 2026. Every video will be posted on HEBS social platforms for public engagement.
Encourage your followers, friends, and family to like, comment, and share your video. The top 10 videos with the highest engagement will move forward to the final stage. Finalists will be announced on February 13, 2026. To secure your place on the main stage, confirm your participation and submit the $500 finalist entry fee.
Every submission is an opportunity to reach new audiences. The world will see your work, and the judges will be watching. Make every second count. The journey starts with one bold idea and the courage to share it.
Judging Criteria and What the Judges Want
Judges score every team on innovation, theme execution, technical excellence, visual storytelling, cohesion, originality, and audience engagement. They want to see teams that go beyond trends and deliver something unforgettable. Every judge brings experience from the worlds of fashion, beauty, and entertainment. Their feedback can launch careers and open doors.
Audience voting matters as much as technical skill. Teams that connect with the crowd, both in person and online, have a real shot at the top. Every like, comment, and share increases your chances of making it to the final round. The more you engage, the more likely you are to win.
Experience Highlights and Why You Should Enter
Celebrity guest judges, live audience voting, global streaming, and editorial press coverage are just the start. Every finalist gains career-defining exposure. You’ll meet influencers, network with industry leaders, and build relationships that last long after the event.
The energy backstage is electric. Teams support each other, share ideas, and celebrate every win. The friendships and connections you make will shape your career for years to come. Every moment on stage is a chance to show the world what you can do.
We’re looking for teams that want more than a trophy. We want visionaries, risk-takers, and artists ready to make history. If that sounds like you, it’s time to step up and claim your place in the spotlight.
How to Register and Prepare
Visit the official Crowned Icons page to review guidelines, entry rules, and resources. Registration opens in July 2025. Spots fill fast, so gather your team and start planning now. Every detail, from your concept to your costumes, will be seen by thousands.
Teams must be ready to produce a full-scale show. This means planning choreography, designing original fashion, and coordinating every element for maximum impact. The best teams rehearse, refine, and push each other to deliver their best work.
Every contestant must be 18 or older. Submission videos must be under 3 minutes, and all looks must fit the “Future Reimagined” theme. HEBS reserves the right to use submissions for marketing and promotion. Finalists are confirmed only after payment of the $500 entry fee.
Event Location and What to Expect at Meadowlands Expo Center
Meadowlands Expo Center in Secaucus, NJ, transforms into the global hub for beauty and fashion during Crowned Icons. The venue features a massive main stage, professional lighting, and sound that brings every performance to life. Backstage, teams have access to everything they need to prepare for the show.
Attendees can expect a packed schedule, from live competitions to education sessions and networking events. Every corner of the Expo Center buzzes with creativity. You’ll meet stylists, designers, and artists from around the world. Every conversation could lead to your next big opportunity.
Book your ticket early. Call 484-357-1812 or email info@thehebs.com for more information. The event draws top talent and industry insiders, so every seat is in demand. Don’t miss your chance to be part of something unforgettable.
Why Crowned Icons Is the Ultimate Career Move
Winning at Crowned Icons means more than a cash prize. It’s a mark of excellence that sets you apart in the industry. Past winners have gone on to work with major brands, headline fashion weeks, and build global followings. Every finalist gains exposure that can change the course of a career.
The experience itself is transformative. You’ll learn from the best, push your creative limits, and discover new ways to express your vision. The friendships, connections, and memories you make will last a lifetime. Every moment on stage is a chance to show the world what you’re made of.
Don’t wait for permission. Take control of your future and show what you can do. The world is watching, and your moment is now.
Ready to Be Crowned? Start Your Journey Today
Begin your application at Crowned Icons and start building your legacy. Assemble your team, develop your vision, and prepare to take the stage. Every detail counts, and every second matters. This is your chance to make history and claim your place among the world’s elite beauty and fashion creatives.
Bring your best ideas, your boldest looks, and your most passionate team members. The journey to the main stage starts with a single step. We can’t wait to see what you’ll create.
For full event details, registration, and updates, visit the official Crowned Icons page. Spots are limited, so act now. Your future starts here.