“In my editorial and collection work, I’m known for my story telling.”

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Danny Pato - Heroine 2023. Photo: Mara Sommer

HEROINES COLLECTION

Heroines is the new collection film from seven-time-consecutive New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year Danny Pato.

The creative concept behind the colourful collection came from iconic heroines across pop culture – manga, video games, comic books and super hero films, with the film a tongue-in-cheek take on music videos from the 1980s.

“Heroines is a celebration and exaggeration of the queen, the goddess and the warrior”, said Pato.

Hair was inspired by bursts of colour powders and by the ink-in-water artwork of Alberto Seveso. A variety of hair textures are celebrated, with theatrical colours expressing the boldness of each character. Classic hair forms are exaggerated – mermaid waves, the flat top, the shag and the bob are given a super-expression.

The Heroines photographic collection won Danny the title of New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year 2023 at the Australian Hair Industry Awards in Sydney, where he was also this year’s inductee into the Hall of Fame. He has won ten international awards this decade, including two AIPPs and two International Hairdresser of the Year wins.

CREDITS:

Art Director: Danny Pato

Producer: Ryland Wood

Cinematographer: Todd Bilton

Editor and VFX: Jarrod Wright

Music: “That’s How We Do It” by Joseph

Hair Director: Danny Pato using Davines, assisted by Michael Sisaengrath and the D&M Hair Design team.

Stylists: Rachel Morton and Danny Pato

Makeup Artist: Kiekie Stanners, assisted by Miranda Raman and George Copeland

Special FX Makeup Artist: Luana Millar

Models: Lilly Egan from 62, Crystal Lim from N, Jenna Watermeyer and Sophia Bogiatto from Red11.

PHOTO CREDITS:

PHOTO CREDITS

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: Olivia Mander

Models: Lilly Egan from 62, Crystal Lim from N, Jenna Watermeyer and Sophia Bogiatto from Red11.

Danny Pato

What country are you from and where do you live?

I was born in the Mediterranean and grew up in the Middle East and Europe. I’ve lived in Auckland, New Zealand, for more than two decades.

Title of what you do and what company you work with?

I’m the co-owner and Creative Director of D&M Hair Design.

Education background (school, salons, self taught)?

I did my formal study at a hairdressing academy, and trained under some incredible hairdressers in salons in Europe and New Zealand.

What is your signature style/artistic expression to your work?

On the salon floor, I’m known for being a master of the basics and adding my personal twist.

In my editorial and collection work, I’m known for my story telling.

What is the first creative project that you remember?

This must have been around 20 years ago, my first competition entry, for Sebastian. I shot two strong feminine women in a bathroom, it was sexy, glamorous and I pushed my own boundaries. I ended up winning and getting to go to LA for the first time.

What is the most fulfilling collaboration you’ve worked on?

Working with Billie Eilish, doing her hair for a Coup de Main magazine cover. She was so inspiring to work with, I adore her.

Do you have a career turning point or big break that has helped your career? What was your scariest and proudest moment in your career?

I don’t see there was a specific turning point when I was younger, it was more like a constant journey of learning everything I could, going to every seminar, entering every competition I could, getting into editorial and catwalk shows, giving back to the industry through education shows and seminars around the world … Every part is another step in the ladder.

The scariest moment in my career was opening my salon with my business partner Michael 15 years ago. My proudest moment is right now – I’ve won New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year five years in a row, and won International Hairstylist of the Year 2021.

What is next for your career goals?

To take my charity work to the next level. One of my last projects I raised $27,000 for KidsCan for disadvantaged Kiwi kids.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in your business?

Strive for excellence and never stop learning.

Instagram: @dannypatohair

Website: www.dandm.co.nz