WINNER
“The Nomad Queens”
by Danny Pato
New Zealand
In a future utopia, a band of royal sisters rule the world in peace. Theirs is an experiential reign, a life moving through cultures, living through the world rather than removed from it.
They’ve displaced war and the power-hungry people who had ruled through cruelty and fear.
Finalists
“The Shadow”
by Dana Lyseng
Canada
My Shadow Collection is inspired from my receiving some bad news in the Spring of 2024 and feeling like a darkness was chasing me all year. Naturally I am a very outgoing and bright personality but throughout the year I felt a shadow behind me trying to dull my light.
“Antidote”
by James Abu-Ulba
Canada
The **Antidote** collection draws from a deeper well of inspiration beyond aesthetics. “As we explore the Antidote collection, we are reminded of the power of hair not only as a form of expression but also as a symbol of love and kindness that transcends boundaries. As artists, we speak a language that resonates with our hearts and minds, enriching our understanding of the world and our place within it. It reminds us that there is no separation, but rather we are part of a oneness.
Semi-Finalists
“Riviera”
by Danielle Waterman
USA
This color palette was inspired by a trip to the south of France last year. I wanted to create optical illusions with a nod to 1960’s/70’s fashion. Each piece was made out of an individual weft and hand embroidered into abstract shapes.
“Chromatic Sculpt”
by Mariana Cecilia
USA
Chromatic Sculpt is a fusion of precision cutting and bold color artistry, creating a visually striking and structurally dynamic collection. The designs balance sharp geometric lines with soft, sculptural volume, showcasing a masterful blend of discipline and creativity.
“VISION in Bloom”
by Mariia Kolchina
Australia
“Vision in Bloom” is an original collection handcrafted over 3.5 months using natural and synthetic hair. Through sculptural floral designs, it portrays the woman as a living flower – strong, intuitive, and emotionally alive.
“Undertow”
by Jamie Wiley
USA
This editorial collection is a celebration of the vibrant beauty and delicate resilience of coral reefs, drawing from the rich contrast of Living Coral and playful Teal Blue colors that reflect both the warmth of thriving marine ecosystems and the cool depth of the open sea. Inspired by the fluidity of ocean currents, the intricate textures of coral formations, and the mystical energy of underwater life, each look embodies movement, elegance, and organic structure.
“Portraits of Antiquity”
by Sawamaru Pokir
Japan
“History doesn’t repeat itself, but it rhymes.”
Is this evolution or a return to the beginning?
In this current age of diversity,
aren’t we dazzled by uniqueness?
We don’t need to create a personality.
There’s no need to compare with others.
“Survivor Collection”
by Fabrizio Del Buono
Italy
To survive physically or mentally, to survive someone or something. To survive by desire or necessity. To escape, to save oneself; live in any case to make the best our life.
“Nataliia”
by Candy Roth
USA
The illusion blurs the line between reality and abstraction, creating a trippy, mind-bending effect that draws you in for a closer look.
“Best Collection”
by Lisa Smith
Canada
I wanted to create a collection that integrates chain into hair, replacing certain sections to explore a unique fusion of texture and movement. My goal was to push my creative boundaries by manipulating the chain in a way that mimics the natural flow of hair. While the chain is meant to stand out, it is also designed to seamlessly blend with the hair, creating a striking yet harmonious look.
“Harlequin”
by Rusty Phillips
USA
My inspiration came from exotic birds. As I started crafting the pieces together it took on a life of its own. I made hair paper and layered it so there are shapes within the shape. I used glue to bind and mold the pieces into various constructed forms. It was fun to discover how easy it is to manipulate the hair into some very fun designs. Each piece took 5 weeks to complete. I hope you find them as fun as I had in making them.
“Ode to African Heritage”
by Veronika Shurunova
USA
This collection is an ode to African heritage, reimagined through the lens of haute couture and avant-garde artistry. Each hairstyle is a sculptural creation, blending traditional braiding techniques with futuristic design.
“GLASS”
by Benjamin Martin
Australia
Glass possesses the unique properties of transmitting, reflecting, and refracting light, which artists have long harnessed to create stunning visual effects. By manipulating its transparency, colour, and texture, they can craft an ever-changing and captivating experience for viewers. “Glass,” explores these characteristics by applying them to hair.
“ENIGMA – An Avant Garde Story”
by Reggy Van Gils
Netherlands
Back to the a form of art. Blurring the lines between commercial hair and haute coiffure… Real hair, real texture with an artful edge.
“AURORA”
by Lonneke Koele
Netherlands
I love working with hair and creating hairpieces that bring together different textures and colors. I enjoy combining hair with materials like wool, wire, and mesh, allowing me to shape and build freely.
This series, with its use of color and texture, truly reflects what I love to do most – it’s a genuine reflection of how I work and feel.