Introducing Seasons of our Spirit. culture Yearbook Twenty10.

Here I am writing this letter on the first day of December, contemplating the year that has passed. I think we all feel somewhat shattered by now, definitely in need of a holiday and some chill out time to reflect on the year that was and look ahead to 2010.

So we're about to hit the teen noughties, I can't help but wonder where the hell the last decade went. It only seems like yesterday that we were wondering whether the world was going to end once we entered the age of the new millennium, and were devoured by the Y2K bug. But here we are, about to take our steps into the start of the next decade.

What will 2009 be remembered for? I think volatility would sum things up quite well. The global financial crisis or GFC - now even a world economic disaster is shortened into text terms just like LOL and WTF - hit many ruthlessly hard, both from a business and personal sense. And the Americans elected their first ‘black' president in Barrack Obama, who is carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders being given the role of saviour of society and the environment amongst dozens of other agendas. Personally, I wouldn't care if he was purple with yellow polkadots; a fellow of that sort of calibre is definitely a welcome member of the world culture as far as I'm concerned.

But if we look at the silver lining on this heavy cloud that reared its head this year past, I think that things are definitely looking bright for 2010. From an era of over-indulgence and wastefulness comes a new sobriety, both in the thoughts and minds of adults and a new generation of young people, which gives us enormous hope for our future. As a result, we are looking deep into ourselves as to what really matters and what is important for ourselves, our loved ones and our future. The younger members of society coming through the ranks have priorities that hail from many decades passed - they seem to exhibit grace and thankfulness and foresight and simple appreciation - qualities that have sadly gone by the wayside somewhat over the past few decades.
I'm really excited about 2010 because I think that change is in the wind and so many factors of our lives will benefit - including hairdressing. culture's exclusive interview with hairdressing legend Robert Lobetta delves into the mind of this visionary to touch on this subject exactly, and it's something that Robert is very pumped about as we discuss the future of the industry. Those of you fortunate enough to have seen Robert live and unplugged when he toured Australia in October will know what I mean, but turn to page 99 to get the lowdown from the man himself.

We also feature the work of creative genius Antoinette Beenders in our Yearbook, exclusively from her own private collection of images. Another brilliant graduate from under the Trevor Sorbie wing, Antoinette is not just a stylist who manages to marry hair and fashion in a way that's often confronting, but always interesting and beautiful; she's also an environmental warrior, as the newly appointed global Vice President for Aveda in addition to her role as Creative Director. Read more on page 89.

As for our Yearbook, well it's my favourite issue of the year because I love to see hair and fashion and beauty in all of its guises. We aim to please our readers by providing you with what we hope is visual ecstasy, presenting a montage of hair morphed into all different genres - session style, avant garde, street tough - with a cool fashion vibe running through the lot. Oh, and for sharp cuts check out great salon looks starting on page 79. The global hairdressing tribe sings from many prayer books so hopefully you'll find your hallelujah somewhere amidst our pages.

So readers, my wish to you for 2010 is good health, good cheer, inspiration and satisfaction on all levels. And if you felt as though you were stuck between a rock and a hard place in the year just passed, it's not so bad. Good things can come from such a place! The way I look at it, if I'm stuck between a blonde rock and a brunette hard place, as per my picture, I'm not really that bad off after all!

Get Happy!

Jenny Burns. Editor-in-Chief.