Style Inspiration: Eden by Danny Pato

6 days ago
2 min read

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

“Eden is a place of mystery and myth,” explains Pato, “where the seeds of life, knowledge and humanity originated. ”

“I was inspired by a wondrous environment of colour and form, where flowers grow and flourish; however, in this place of paradise, the asp watches and waits for an opportunity to disrupt the first innocent home of mankind.”

“The battle begins between good and evil - can the abundance of beautiful growth withstand the snake in the grass?”

Hair forms are inspired by what grows in Eden, both pure and menacing: black peony, poisonous mushroom, crimson clover, spider chrysanthemum, bird of paradise, and, of course, the snake.

Pato designed original clothing for the collection, with sculpted bodices, sharp collars, and defined waists contrasting with voluminous skirts, bell sleeves, and layers of tulle. The monochrome base is elevated by bold floral collages.

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

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, by King Charles III.