AHFA Finalist: Avant Garde by Carolyn Gahan

Being named an AHFA Avant Garde Finalist is a moment I’ll cherish forever. This recognition celebrates pushing the boundaries of creativity and artistry in hairdressing, and I’m honoured to stand alongside some of the most talented stylists in the industry.

The Inspiration Behind My Work

Avant-garde hair is about challenging norms and redefining what’s possible. For this collection, I wanted to create pieces that felt like living sculptures—bold, dramatic, and unapologetically unique. Every detail, from the shapes to the textures, was designed to evoke a sense of wonder and innovation.

The Creative Process

Developing this collection was a labour of love, combining technical expertise with artistic exploration. It required:

• Experimenting with unconventional materials and techniques

• Layering textures to build dimension and depth

• Collaborating with an incredible team to bring the vision to life

  
  

What This Means to Me

Being an AHFA Finalist is not just about personal achievement; it’s about celebrating the limitless possibilities within our craft. It’s a reminder that hairdressing is an art form, and every stylist has the power to tell their own story through their work.

Thank You to the AHFA Team

Thank you to the Australian Hair Fashion Awards for continuing to elevate and honour creativity in our industry. This recognition fuels my passion and inspires me to keep reaching for new heights.

CREDITS

Hair - Carolyn Gahan

Photography - David Hannah

Make Up - Fred Lemarche

Styling - Emma Cotterill

Assistant - George Katehos

Story:: The Journal

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