Industry Collective has announced the finalists for THE BRIEF, a new competition created in partnership with Ensemble Magazine.

THE BRIEF features two distinct categories: one for established hairstylists with over five years of experience, and another for emerging talents with less than four years in the field. Participants were tasked with creating a compelling editorial image based on specific briefs designed by a guest creative. The inaugural briefs, curated by Dan Ahwa—renowned former fashion and creative director at Viva and advisor for NZ Fashion Week—include ‘Fine Arts’ for established stylists and ‘The Underground’ for emerging artists.

Submissions were judged by Matt Benns, former creative director at Stephen Marr, who has carved out an illustrious career in New York collaborating with iconic brands and celebrities including Lorde, Kim Kardashian, Vogue, Proenza Schouler and Dior.

The winners will be announced on May 18th, with their works featured in Ensemble Magazine. Both category winners will receive a collection of hair tools from Shark, while the established winner will also enjoy return flights to Sydney and an all-access pass to Hair Festival 2025.

Congratulations to the below finalists!

Underground – Emerging

Alice Howard (Ryder Salon)

Kim Touch (The Black Studio)

Miah McMurty (Rawk Hairdressing)

Sophie Steel (Venom Hair)

Te Rina Gardiner (Ado Hair)

Simeon Brink (Salute Hair Skin Spa)

Christopher Huia Woods

Chinney Yeap (Salute Hair Skin Spa)

Carla Murphy (Rawk Hairdressing)

Ella Humphrey

Kylie Hayes (Moha Hairdressing)

Joshua Scott

Mackenzie Bradley

Sky Srisukpolluck

Michael Beel (Salute Hair Skin Spa)

Best of luck to all the finalists!