The list of accolades for stylist Danny Pato is long. While he’s one of this country’s most humble hairdressers, he is a star on the world stage. Editor Trudi Brewer shares his stunning work and what’s next for this creative king.
This collection has confirmed his status, as Pato claimed the win for the seventh time in a row as NZ Hairdresser of the Year. As the 2023 winner, Pato was also inducted into the Australian Hall of Fame.
“Moving to NZ as a migrant over 30 years ago, not speaking a word of English, and dealing with my sexuality, the hair salon felt like home; this industry is what saved me. I never thought I’d be standing here today, having the honour of this title for seven years running, and now to be representing NZ in the Australian Hall of Fame - with the gravity of fellow-Kiwi Dennis Langford’s legacy in the industry.”
How do you come up with the concepts for your competition work?
I am always keeping my eyes open for inspiration. Sometimes I see something in a different light, and I sort of get obsessed about it. It could be architecture, fashion, film, any form of art or something from every day that catches my eye. I like to blend different ideas together to create characters and a story.
What was your inspiration behind this 7th entry?
My main inspiration came from iconic heroines from across pop culture - manga, video games, comic books and superhero films. It's a celebration and exaggeration of the queen, the goddess and the warrior. I also got inspired by high-speed photography of colourful ink powder explosions and by the ink-in-water artwork of Alberto Seveso.
How much of these ideas translate to salon hair?
Each of the looks in this collection is an exaggeration of something wearable: you can see the disconnected bob, the shag and the mermaid waves. The colour work is theatrical and expressive, more designed for artistic inspiration than everyday wear. However, the copper and blonde tones in the bob look can be more literally translated to the salon floor - coppers are on-trend this winter.
What is your advice for anyone wanting to enter an international competition?
Forget about what you think other people might want to see - focus on what you want to create. Be fearless and bold, and trust your gut.
What can this award do for a hairdresser or a salon?
Winning this award is a great way to show that your salon is among the best in the business. Independent recognition from industry experts helps to raise your profile, and it’s a great boost for the whole team. Entering these industry awards is as much about giving back through mentoring, education and leadership as it is about creativity. These awards raise the bar for every one entering. o
What does it feel like to be the 7th winner in a row of these awards?
I feel really honoured; truly, it's amazing to represent my industry and our country for so long. Someone joked on the awards night that I've become like Meryl Streep at the Oscars. Because of the competition rules, I now have to step down from entering to make space for someone else, so I'll be making the most out of the year ahead.
Pato’s six looks that make up the iconic heroines collection
Hair & Art Director: Danny Pato using Davines, assisted by Michael Sisaengrath and the D&M Hair Design team. Photographer: Mara Sommer, assisted by Josh Szeto. Stylists: Danny Pato & Rachel Morton. Makeup Artist: Kiekie Stanners, assisted by Miranda Raman and George Copeland Special FX Makeup. Artist: Luana Millar. Producer: Ryland Wood.
Post-production: Olivia Mander. Models: Lilly Egan from 62, Crystal Lim from N, Jenna Watermeyer and Sophia Bogiatto from Red11.