Style Inspiration: Birds by Danny Pato

Birds is the evocative new collection from nine-time-consecutive New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year Danny Pato MNZM, photographed by long-time collaborator Mara Sommer.

For Pato, the conceptual shoot is a symbolic celebration for the part birds play in his creative world.

“Birds grace our skies and treetops with their extraordinary beauty, filling the air with their songs and warnings,” explains Pato.

“Since ancient times, humans have literally and figuratively imitated birds to express qualities of identity: beauty, power, grace, fear and tenderness.

“I have used some of these qualities as metaphors for birds and humans sharing the same world”.

The collection forms part of Pato’s entry for New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year at the 2026 Australian Hair Fashion Awards.

Pato is no stranger to recognition, recently becoming the first person outside of Europe to win the AIPP Grand Trophy in twenty years, and becoming the first ever hairdresser invested into the New Zealand Order of Merit.

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: Steph Lai

Producer: Ryland Wood

Models: Lilly Egan and Crystal Lim from 62 Management, Jenna Watermeyer from Red 11 and Tui from D&M.