The results are in for the inaugural edition of THE BRIEF, presented by Industry Collective!

Launched to spotlight both emerging and established talent, THE BRIEF invited stylists to showcase their technical precision, creativity and editorial vision across two powerful themes: ‘Fine Arts’ for seasoned professionals and ‘The Underground’ for up-and-coming creatives.

With briefs curated by Dan Ahwa (advisor for NZ Fashion Week and Ensemble Magazine contributing editor), the competition pushed artists to create concept-driven, sculptural hairstyles that embodied storytelling through design.

THE BRIEF was founded by award-winning stylist Sara Allsop as a platform to push creative boundaries and support the evolution of hair professionals. From hair to makeup, lighting, casting and photography, the competition encourages entrants to consider all aspects of editorial styling.

As Dan Ahwa shared with Ensemble Magazine:

“A stylist’s ability to collaborate on set, listen, share ideas and still deliver something that aligns with the brief, while staying true to their personal style, taste and technical ability, is what sets great artists apart.”

Entries were judged by globally respected New Zealand-born hair artist Matt Benns, now based in New York. With a portfolio featuring icons like Lorde, Kim Kardashian, Vogue, Proenza Schouler and Dior, Benns brought a discerning eye for talent to the competition.

And the winners are…

A big congratulations to Christopher Huia Woods – Established (left) and Kim Touch – Emerging (right)!

In addition to receiving a suite of hair tools from Shark, both artists work will be featured in Ensemble, while Christopher also receives a return flight to Sydney for Hair Festival 2025 next month.

Special recognition also goes to the competition’s runners-up, both from Wellington’s Salute Hair & Day Spa: Chinney Yeap (Established) and Simeon Brink (Emerging).

Fine Arts Established Winner: Christopher Huia Woods

For his winning look, Christopher drew inspiration from a 1930s–40s art gallery owner, crafting a sculptural silhouette that blended vintage elegance with natural texture.

Christopher divided the hair into structured sections, plaiting and twisting them before securing with French pins—resulting in an intricate design that harmonised classic structure and natural beauty.

“I love creating editorial work more for the journey and the way it contributes to the learning process, delving into artist and technical exploration to achieve the finished look,” Christopher told Ensemble.

The Underground Emerging Winner: Kim Touch

Based at The Black Studio in Mt Eden, Kim Touch was inspired by the work of Sharon Blain.

Kim’s look combined a bold, sculptural shape with intricate braiding, forming a silhouette that was both powerful and fluid—wearable art with a high-fashion edge.

“I wanted to create a silhouette that was both powerful and fluid – something that feels almost like wearable art,” she shared with Ensemble. To complete the look, Kim opted for all-black styling to ground the image and allow the hair and makeup to shine.

“I love working on imagery and editorial projects like this because they push me beyond my comfort zone. It allows me to explore new creative territory and build a visual narrative that feels personal and expressive – almost like creating a modern-day lineage through hair,” Kim continued.

“Every shoot is a chance to upskill, evolve, and hopefully inspire someone else to take creative risks too. I’m incredibly grateful to have had such a talented team to bring this vision to life.”

Congratulations to Christopher and Kim! The future of hair artistry looks brighter than ever.

Dive deeper into THE BRIEF’s winning submissions here.