Latest news with #FashionWeek
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
A Look Into Angelina Jolie's New Chapter as She Returns to Filmmaking, Fashion and Global Influence
On June 4, Angelina Jolie will celebrate her milestone 50th birthday. In her first 49 years, Jolie has accomplished more than most can dream: She's raised six children — Maddox, 23, Pax, 21, Zahara, 20, Shiloh, 19, and 16-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne, who she shares with ex Brad Pitt — earned countless awards and become revered worldwide for her humanitarian work. She's not done yet, however — here is a glimpse into everything the Maria star has had going on behind the scenes. After a 14-year absence from the Cannes Film Festival, Angelina made her triumphant return in 2025 to serve as the 'Godmother' tapped to present the prestigious Trophée Chopard to two rising stars on May 16. Angelina is frequently seen at Atelier Jolie, the graffiti-covered fashion retail space she opened in New York City in 2023. She enjoys hosting panel discussions at the collaborative and cultural center–meets–design workshop. In late 2024, Angelina was spotted filming her next movie, Couture, in Paris. The project, which Variety reported is about 'three women whose lives will collide during Fashion Week,' is being shot in both French and English. On May 14, it was announced that Angelina will play a banker opposite 31-year-old White Lotus season 3 breakout star Aimee Lou Wood's hostage-taking robber in the buzzed-about film Anxious People. Also in the pipeline? Big-budget movies, including Disney sequel Maleficent 3 and Maude v Maude — costarring and coproduced by Halle Berry, 58, who's described the flick as Mr. & Mrs. Smith meets Mission: Impossible. 'I have to be [in L.A. because of] a divorce, but as soon as [the twins] are 18, I'll be able to leave,' Angelina said last year. After her youngest become adults in July 2026, she mused, 'I'll spend a lot of time in Cambodia' and 'visiting my family members wherever they may be in the world.'
Elle
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Elle
The Singular, Je Ne Sais Quoi Allure of Balmain
The name This reputation for compelling design dovetails effortlessly with the modern woman's wardrobe. For every sharp-shouldered blazer navigating the workday, there's a glamorous draped dress to carry her into the night. Model wears The latest entry from the brand, the As for the name, Anthem draws inspiration from Rousteing's coterie of musical muses, whose melodies are always finding their way into the workshop during designer sketches and fittings, and onto the runway during Fashion Week. (It's also a reference to Monsieur Balmain himself, who likewise dressed the musical legends of his era.) The Anthem's design and name sing an homage to the vibrant heart of city life, where creativity thrives. They weave together the threads of fashion and the rhythm of music, uniting them in a timeless celebration of grace and ingenuity. Here, elegance and innovation meet, crafting a legacy that echoes through the city's soul. Showcasing its remarkable versatility , we carried the Anthem out onto the city streets to show how easy it is to adapt this new wardrobe hero into one's own creative identity. Model wears , , by Balmain. Discover the Anthem Collection Medium Anthem bag in Calfskin Mini Anthem bag in Leather Mini Anthem bag in Leopard Print Mini Anthem bag in Leather Medium Anthem bag in Leather Medium Anthem bag in Leopard Print Look 1 | , Balmain. , Balmain. Look 2 | , Balmain. , Balmain. Look 3 | , Balmain. , Balmain. , Balmain. Look 4 | , Balmain. , Balmain. , Balmain. Look 5 | , Balmain. , Balmain. , Balmain. Look 6 | , Balmain. , Balmain. Look 7 | , Balmain. , Balmain. Look 8 | , Balmain. , Balmain. , Balmain. Art direction by Thea Karas; production by Hannah Miller and Camryn DeCosta; edited by Jaclyn Palermo; casting by Mariano Restrepo and Delaney Dierdorff; fashion styling by Cassie Anderson; styling assisted by Danielle Flum; hair by Rei Kawauchi; makeup by Akiko Owada; Production by Lawrence Peng and Moon Chang. Special thanks to the Roxy Hotel New York.
Toronto Star
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Toronto Star
the Influencers Toronto's top 10 of 2025 This isn't just a list — it's a celebration of the local content creators who are shaping how Toronto thinks, eats, dresses, speaks out and shows up. Together, they have nearly 13 million followers, almost double the population of the GTA. Here, we celebrate the social media stars behind the screens. keep scrolling to read more
01 Lisa Corbo This is an example of an image caption Pierre Dunnigan/Makivik TikTok: 453K followers @lisa_corbo Instagram: 318K followers @lisacorbo fashion beauty When asked about her future plans, Lisa Corbo fires back: 'Do you have all day to hear about my career goals? I might be 64 but trust me when I say I'm just getting started.' Corbo already had one legendary career in fashion: She presided over high-end Yorkville boutique George C. for almost two decades and is a longtime fixture on Toronto's sartorially savvy society scene. In 2021, she segued into her next act online, proving via her fabulous 'fits that style is truly ageless — and that individuality rules above all Age ain't nothing but a number, as Lisa Corbo so beautifully proves with her captivating content showcasing perfect outfit after perfect outfit. Age ain't nothing but a number, as Lisa Corbo so beautifully proves with her captivating content showcasing perfect outfit after perfect outfit. 'Over the many years I fell in love with helping my loyal clientele find confidence through fashion and embrace their own personal style,' she says. 'Now, as a digital creator, my goal remains the same. If I can help someone starting out, at any age, to find their style, their esthetic, through my content, that's my reward.' Next up? Corbo has Fashion Week front-row seats, a book and a new Substack on her to-do list. She's determined to do it all: 'I realized over the last few decades that life is no dress rehearsal!' ' I may be 64, but trust me when I say I'm just getting started.' Fashion credits: Dries Van Noten dress, at SSENSE; Chanel necklace, at Mine & Yours. 02 Spencer West This is an example of an image caption Pierre Dunnigan/Makivik TikTok: 4.4M followers @Spencer2TheWest Instagram: 449K followers @Spencer2TheWest YouTube: 270K subscribers @Spencer2TheWest Disability LGBTQ+ First, Spencer West conquered Facebook, using that platform to document his quest to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2012. Then, he tackled Instagram, filling his grid with behind-the-scenes footage of his gig as an opening act on Demi Lovato's 2014 tour. In 2017, West mastered YouTube, creating videos about his adventures as a motivational speaker and lived experienced as a gay disabled man (his legs were amputated due to a congenital condition). Finally, in 2021, he triumphed on TikTok, where a pair of viral videos sent his follower count from 20 into the millions, leading him to take the plunge into creating content full-time. Spencer West makes accessibility not accessible but fun with videos about the nuances of his life as a disabled dude. Spencer West makes accessibility not accessible but fun with videos about the nuances of his life as a disabled dude. West is working on a book (his second), and he's parlayed his social success into a recurring role on Canadian institution 'Murdoch Mysteries.' But he says he'll always cherish his social media work as a prime platform for his advocacy work. 'I give people a glimpse into how I navigate the world, showcasing the barriers I encounter, challenging conventional narratives and promoting inclusivity,' he says. 'My hope is by sharing my journey, it will not only inspire others but educate and advocate for systemic change.' ' My hope is by sharing my journey, it will not only inspire others but educate and advocate for systemic change.' Even though he's been a social star for more than a decade, he's still humbled by the daily messages he receives from followers: queer and disabled folks thank West for improving representation; others tell him he changed their perspective or empowered them to start advocating for inclusion in their community. 'Anytime someone says they feel seen or that they learned something and felt empowered to take action,' says West, 'I know I've done my job.' Fashion credits: Libero shirt; Patrick Assaraf T-shirt, at Harry Rosen. 03 Abdullah Zaidi TikTok: 1.2M followers @thisguyabdullah Instagram: 677K followers @thisguyabdullah beauty comedy The beauty industry can take itself way too seriously, according to Abdullah Zaidi, so he's happy to have some fun with the occasionally self-important sector. 'As a straight man in a traditionally feminine space, I use satire to poke fun at the quest for perfection, which is unrealistic for anyone, let alone the young girls and women that are usually targeted,' he says. ' I use satire to poke fun at the quest for perfection, which is unrealistic for anyone.' Zaidi started his channel less than two years ago 'as a playful jab at influencers' glamorous lives.' It's since become 'a way to embrace imperfection, tell jokes and have fun.' That down-to-earth perspective resonated immediately: His second video — a tongue-in-cheek take on an influencer's cooking video — went viral with 10 million views. 'That's when I realized I could have fun sharing my humour on this platform,' says Zaidi. While others may showcase a glamorous lifestyle, Zaidi highlights the humour in things like deciphering ingredients or elaborate beauty routines. One of the best parts of the gig is the friendships he's forged with fellow content creators: 'It's incredible that some of my close friends now are people I once admired as a fan.' If you told someone 15 years ago that people would be recognized for creating from home, it would have been unthinkable, he says, and he remains grateful for any fan interactions. 'Whether it's someone asking for a picture or just a smile on the street,' he says, 'it's always incredible.' Fashion credits: Jacquemus jacket, at VSP Consignment; Bottega Veneta shirt, at Holt Renfrew; Kotn tank top. 04 Emily Durham This is an example of an image caption Pierre Dunnigan/Makivik TikTok: 691K followers @ Instagram: 474K followers @ career Feeling truly empowered at work can change your life, says Emily Durham. 'For most of us, our job isn't just a job — it's where we spend the majority of our time, where our identity is shaped, and where so much of our confidence either grows or shrinks,' says Durham. 'Helping someone land a new role, ask for a raise, or even just feel less alone navigating workplace politics? That's the best feeling in the world.' Building a solid career can be stressful, but Emily Durham's tips and tricks make things like salary negotiation and networking a breeze. Building a solid career can be stressful, but Emily Durham's tips and tricks make things like salary negotiation and networking a breeze. Durham worked as a recruiter for years, where she witnessed firsthand how access to career education and mentorship directly impacted interview results, promotion rates and salary — and how a lack of support disproportionately affected women and under-represented groups. She wanted to talk about it. In 2020, Durham launched'The Straight Shooter Recruiter' podcast, then started making career guidance videos, which quickly went viral. 'When I think about my purpose online, it's really to empower people in their careers and democratize access to the kind of information that's so often gatekept,' she says. 'My goal is to help people feel confident, satisfied, and — above all — get paid.' Achieving success in the crowded social world also allowed Durham to make one of her cherished childhood dreams come true: her first book, a career guide for Gen Z women entitled 'Daddy's Not a CEO,' comes out next year. Fashion credits: Tiger of Sweden dress; Biko earrings and ring; Alexis Bittar necklace; Bottega Veneta heels, at Mine & Yours. 05 Brendan Carpenter This is an example of an image caption Pierre Dunnigan/Makivik TikTok: 265K followers @brecarperuns Instagram: 62K followers @brecarperuns fitness mental health Growing up, Brendan Carpenter was a big kid who yearned to see bodies like his represented in media and online: 'I didn't really know where to look or have anyone to turn to on the internet.' When he started running in 2016, Carpenter decided to document his weight-loss journey on social media to help others feel less alone. 'It turned out people did care,' he says. That support offered more than motivation: it gave him purpose. 'I wanted to keep working at it as I shared my ups and downs.' ' Over the years I've learned that all bodies are runners' bodies.' In the nine years since, Carpenter has branched out into all manner of lifestyle content, from mental health and men's fashion to cooking and cleaning. 'I'm a larger-bodied human, so I love to show that we aren't confined to being pigeonholed into one space,' he says. Carpenter's inclusive, feel-good content has led to partnerships with brands like Air Canada (he took his dad to the 2024 Stanley Cup Finals with the airline), and to shooting a running commercial with SportChek. 'I always thought you had to be skinny and model-like to be included in something like that, but over the years, I've learned that all bodies are runners' bodies,' he says. 'It showed me that anything is possible.' Fashion credits: Carhartt jacket at SSENSE; BOSS T-shirt at Harry Rosen; Christian Louboutin sneakers. 06 Tara Sigari This is an example of an image caption Pierre Dunnigan/Makivik TikTok: 504K followers @tarasigari Instagram: 809K followers @tarasigari beauty As a teen, Tara Sigari was fascinated by how flawless celebrities appeared on TV. How did they look so good? She vowed to learn their beauty secrets. After high school, Sigari studied Chinese medicine, but she had this nagging feeling: 'If I didn't take the risk and give (full-time) content creation a real shot, I'd always wonder, What if?' she says. 'I knew I had to try, even if it was scary.' In 2018, Sigari committed to creating videos breaking down celebrity makeup artist secrets, making the tips and tricks accessible to everyone. Her risk paid off, big-time. Now, if she wants to know how a Jenner or Kardashian — or even Beyoncé — achieves a look, she can simply contact their makeup artist and get the goods. 'Then I'll come back and teach it in a fun, digestible way that anyone can understand,' she says. Tara Sigari demystifies the beauty world, sharing hacks, tutorials, and dupes to help followers look their best, no matter their budget. Tara Sigari demystifies the beauty world, sharing hacks, tutorials, and dupes to help followers look their best, no matter their budget. What makes her content different? 'I'm a researcher at heart. I do the legwork so my audience doesn't have to.' I want them to feel like they're getting the same beauty tips celebrities pay thousands for, for free.' Sigari is eager to become one of the top creators in the beauty space and represent both Canada and her native Iran on the world stage. She also plans to expand into longer-form content, sharing deeper tutorials, behind-the-scenes moments and more of the heart behind the glam: 'I want my audience to not just learn techniques but to connect with the 'why' behind them.' Sigari may be a burgeoning global sensation, but she hopes to always call Toronto home. 'This city is such a beautiful mix of cultures, voices and stories. It's a place where individuality is celebrated, not silenced. Being surrounded by that kind of energy constantly inspires me to create with pride and purpose. Honestly, I wouldn't want to create anywhere else.' ' I'm a researcher at heart. I do the legwork so my audience doesn't have to.' She may be a burgeoning global sensation, but she hopes to always call Toronto home. 'This city is such a beautiful mix of cultures, voices, and stories. It's a place where individuality is celebrated, not silenced. Being surrounded by that kind of energy constantly inspires me to create with pride and purpose,' she says. 'Toronto is where I was born and raised, and honestly, I wouldn't want to create anywhere else.' Fashion credits: Balmain dress and Alaïa shoes, both at Holt Renfrew; Alexis Bittar bracelet and cuff. 07 Jacob Balshin This is an example of an image caption Pierre Dunnigan/Makivik TikTok: 93K followers @dinkbalshin Instagram: 94K followers @jacobbalshin comedy toronto The first video Jacob Balshin ever posted was a love letter to Bathurst Station, a frequent transit destination for the comedian, as he bussed into the city from his parents' place in Thornhill. He's been making videos for just over a year; each one is an ode to the struggle he faced as a broke comedian trying to make ends meet in Toronto. His popularity on social spiked, however, when he debuted his apartment tours of places like, as he puts it, 'the windowless, rat-infested basement I once called home.' His sweet spot is the sides of Toronto that people don't typically highlight, he says: 'From resilient family businesses that don't have advertising budgets to broken-down apartments where people are struggling to make ends meet, it's my goal to highlight the experience I've had living in Toronto, instead of a glamourized version.' Famed for his bone-dry delivery, comedian Jacob Balshin (a.k.a. Dink) explores the stranger side of Toronto, including the terrors of our rental market. Famed for his bone-dry delivery, comedian Jacob Balshin (a.k.a. Dink) explores the stranger side of Toronto, including the terrors of our rental market. Thanks to his social-media stardom, he's doing a little better these days: Once he had to beg people to come to his standup sets; now, his shows regularly sell out. His influence grows daily, too; one day he walked past an Ali Baba's location that had started selling spaghetti, so he made a video saying, 'They should call themselves Al Babino's.' A few days later when he walked past, the sign for Ali Baba's had been taken down — replaced with a sign that said Al Babino's. Fashion credits: Kotn jacket; Dolce & Gabbana T-shirt, at Mine & Yours. 08 Reni Odetoyinbo This is an example of an image caption Pierre Dunnigan/Makivik TikTok: 73K followers @xoxoreni Instagram: 46K followers @xoreni YouTube: 36K followers @xoReni finance Reni Odetoyinbo still remembers the message. In 2020, a person from her Don't Go Broke Collective financial accountability group told Odetoyinbo that she went from being terrified of money to investing her first $10,000 after following the finance creator's content for a year. 'She said no one had ever explained money to her in a way that actually made sense before, and she felt confident about her financial future for the first time,' Odetoyinbo says. 'That meant so much to me because this is exactly why I create content: to make finance feel doable for people who've been shut out of the conversation.' ' I create content to make finance feel doable for people who've been shut out of the conversation.' Other followers have told Odetoyinbo they used her advice to get out of credit card debt or take their dream trip without going broke: 'Those moments remind me that this work is changing lives in ways I can't always see online.' Odetoyinbo's stock-in-trade, she says, is personal finance content that's simple, practical and relatable, that helps people understand how to budget, save and invest, but to enjoy their money, too — like having a financially savvy best friend break things down in plain language. She was adamant about showing not just the wins but her challenges along the way as she first bought stocks at 18 and purchased a house at 23. She was only a year and a half into making content when she decided to go pro. How did she know she was ready? The money coming in from making content matched the income from her full-time job. Ka-ching. Fashion credits: COS suit jacket; Reformation top; Biko earrings and rings; Jenny Bird bracelet. 09 Clement Leung TikTok: 3.3M followers @ Instagram: 721K followers @ YouTube: 1.1M subscribers @InstaNoodls food It was mid-pandemic and Clement Leung was bored. Inspired by folks like Anthony Bourdain and YouTubers Mark Wiens and Sonny Slide of Best Ever Food Review Show, he decided to point the camera at himself while he ate at home. At the time, he was eating a lot of instant noodles; soon, people started suggesting instant-noodle recipes to try. He did — and they went viral. Two years later, Leung was laid off and started making food videos full-time, racking up millions of followers across multiple platforms who delight in the sense of fun and joy he brings to eating out. 'One of the important missions of my channel is to shine a light on food I feel deserves more attention, like sharing hidden gems and local mom-and-pop eateries,' he says. 'My hope is that my platform can be a blessing to others, as it has been a blessing to me.' Clement Leung's cheery demeanour and deep knowledge of all things noodle make him a fun tour guide through the culinary scenes of Toronto and beyond. Clement Leung's cheery demeanour and deep knowledge of all things noodle make him a fun tour guide through the culinary scenes of Toronto and beyond. His content has taken him around the world — he recently spent several weeks on a foodie tour of New Zealand — but Leung believes Toronto is the best food city anywhere. 'You can find any country's cuisine here and it's done well — sometimes even better than back in the home country,' he says. 'I feel like more people need to know about the food in Toronto.' Recently, he met a follower on the subway who shared how much they loved a local restaurant. They were so passionate about the place that the pair talked about the food for the whole TTC ride. Then, video camera in hand, Leung went there, too. Fashion credits: Frame shirt, at Holt Renfrew; Robert Barakett T-shirt, at Holt Renfrew; Kotn trousers; Martin Margiela sneakers, at Holt Renfrew. 10 Shriya Agnihotri TikTok: 43K followers @missfoodieto Instagram: 124K followers @missfoodieto food lifestyle Shriya Agnihotri started small, by posting her favourite vegetarian and vegan food on her personal social media accounts. Then the requests started rolling in: friend after friend asking her where to eat because, as Agnihotri puts it, 'They knew I was vegetarian, and they were surprised the food looked good!' Her coworkers encouraged her to go pro, and in 2019, Agnihotri create her own food-focused accounts. Now based in Markham, she's a go-to source for all things vegetarian in the GTA and beyond. (She's even been stopped in Japan for meatless recos.) Shriya Agnihotri is a proud ambassador for delicious vegetarian eats in the GTA and beyond. Shriya Agnihotri is a proud ambassador for delicious vegetarian eats in the GTA and beyond. 'I grew up in a Hindu Punjabi household where making food and serving it is a deeply ingrained cultural practice and emphasizes tradition, hospitality and a sense of community,' says Agnihotri. 'I grew up in a community of chefs, so at all of my family parties, everything was homemade but tasted like restaurant quality, if not better. It turned me into a person who loves and appreciates food on a deeper level.' She particularly enjoys sharing veggie suggestions with fans. 'I've had a lot of people DM me saying, 'My boyfriend or girlfriend is vegetarian and I want to plan a nice date for them. Where should I take them?' To me, that's the sweetest thing ever, when someone is planning an evening out for their loved one and thought of asking me to contribute. I take it very seriously!' Fashion credits: Proenza Schoulder dress, at Holt Renfrew; Biko earrings; Jenny Bird necklace.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lauren Sanchez Does Billionaire Bloomcore in Expensive Ab-Baring Look for Bachelorette Weekend in Paris
Lauren Sánchez is in Paris for her star-studded bachelorette weekend, and it seems everything is coming up roses ahead of her June wedding to Amazon founder (and billionaire) Jeff Bezos. When Sánchez, 55, stepped out for brunch on Friday, May 16, alongside Kim Kardashian, Katy Perry and other celebrity gal pals, she leaned into the Bloomcore aesthetic in a white Oscar de la Renta crop top and miniskirt with multicolored 3D florals. The glamorous journalist, who reportedly got engaged to Bezos, 61, in 2023, literally blossomed in the designer co-ord set plucked right off the Pre-Fall 2025 runway. The top ($1,590) and skirt ($2,290) were modeled with a matching lady jacket ($4,290), but Sánchez eschewed the latter — all the better to show off her toned arms and taut, tan midriff. Kim Kardashian, Katy Perry and More Stars Celebrate Lauren Sanchez's Bachelorette Party in Paris Sánchez (and Bezos, for that matter) are Fashion Week front-row regulars at Oscar de la Renta, Dolce & Gabbana and more luxury labels, so it felt fitting that the blushing bride-to-be would have perhaps the most coveted new set from the storied fashion house. As Oscar de la Renta Co-Creative Directors Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim described in the season's show notes, the Pre-Fall 2025 offering celebrates 'the timeless beauty of cherry blossoms,' which they aptly dubbed the 'hero flower' of the collection, which manifests itself in intricately embroidered laser-cut petals, as seen on Sánchez's flirty set on Friday in the City of Love. The ensemble seamlessly married Oscar de la Renta's exquisite craftsmanship and signature floral motifs with the cherry blossom, a flower that also symbolizes new beginnings (hint, hint!). Naturally, Sánchez moved the bloom to a new realm of luxury and elegance by carrying not the coordinating clutch from the collection but an adorable pink vintage Chanel Top Handle Crush Flap Bag, circa 2023, which just so happens to be the same year that Bezos proposed. Kim Kardashian and Lauren Sanchez Paid $200K Each for 1 Balenciaga Dress at Auction The mix of prints was a perfect match, and perhaps a sweet, stylish nod to her future husband before they tie the knot at the end of June in Venice, Italy.
NZ Herald
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Award-winning stylist Danny Pato receives Order Of Merit for services to hairdressing
He's won multiple hairstyling awards over the years, but Danny Pato says his New Zealand Order of Merit is the best yet. Viva has waxed lyrical for years that hairstylist Danny Pato has needed additional room on his mantelpiece to house his numerous awards, but his most recent accolade shines brighter than any silver trophy. Flanked by five of his closest friends, Danny was invited to Government House in Auckland last Thursday where he was presented with the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to hairdressing by Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro. Danny is the first hairstylist in New Zealand history to receive such a prestigious honour. The announcement that Danny would be recognised as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit was revealed in late December as part of the New Year Honours 2025 list. For more than two decades, Danny has cemented his reputation as a hairstylist with creative flair and expertise with wigs and hair pieces, having received 14 awards throughout his career. He's collaborated with notable fashion magazines both locally and globally (including Viva), toured the international Fashion Week circuit, and established a loyal fan base at D&M Hair Design, the Auckland-based salon he co-founded with husband Ryland Wood. Below, Danny reflects on this milestone moment and shares how he hopes that his most recent award inspires the next generation of hairstylists. From left to right: Kathryn Wilson, Ryland Wood, Danny Pato, Michael Sisaengrath, Jen Cuttance and Liam Taylor. Photo / Supplied ASHLEIGH COMETTI: Congratulations on receiving your Member of the New Zealand Order Of Merit, Danny. How did you feel when you first found out you would be receiving this special honour? Advertisement Advertise with NZME. DANNY PATO: Thank you so much. I found out late last year – they check with you in advance if you're going to accept the honour, so I received a letter in the post. I had to keep it confidential but inside I was overwhelmed and proud. But it really hit home when a One News interview aired on New Year's Eve and I could finally talk about it. Now that I've experienced it, I feel so incredibly proud, honoured and grateful. Danny (centre) invited a handful of friends to attend the Investiture Ceremony, including footwear designer Kathryn Wilson (left) and brand strategist Liam Taylor (right). Photo / Supplied AC: How does this most recent award differ to those you've received in the past? DP: It's particularly heart-warming to be recognised by the State and Crown. I'm the first person in the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to hairdressing, so it feels like I've opened up a pathway for our industry. Last year, I was the 2024 inductee into Australian Hair Industry Hall of Fame, which felt similar in a way – a recognition encompassing my whole career – but the MNZM coming from the Government feels really special, to be appreciated and accepted by the country. Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro poses with Danny during the Investiture Ceremony at Government House. Photo / Supplied AC: What was the Investiture Ceremony like last Thursday, when you received the award from Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro? DP: It was very formal, emotional and a once in a lifetime experience. We were asked to dress our best, so I wore a custom-made Crane Brothers suit. There were eight other inductees and their guests invited to Government House for the ceremony and high tea. Advertisement Advertise with NZME. Hearing the stories of the other inductees, what all of these courageous Kiwis had done for their different communities was inspiring, and made me grateful to be a New Zealander. I had to stand for the Governor-General, while a citation about my contributions and achievements was read out. It took me back to being a young boy in the Mediterranean with five sisters playing with their hair, and my journey through to doing overseas shows, winning 14 global awards and winning NZ Hairdresser of the Year eight times in a row. Danny shares a quiet moment with Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro. Photo / Supplied I then shared a private moment with the Governor-General; she thanked me on behalf of all Kiwis for putting New Zealand on the international hairdressing map. She said what impressed her most was giving back through the charity projects I'd instigated over the years for cancer research, victim support, end of life care and disadvantaged kids. It really was a special moment for me. Then we had high tea – seriously the fanciest and most delicious high tea I'd ever had. Danny, right, and his husband, Ryland Wood. Photo / Supplied AC: How did you celebrate afterwards? DP: My guests – husband Ryland Wood, business partner Michael Sisaengrath, and best friends Kathryn Wilson, Liam Taylor and Jen Cuttance - took me to Soul Bar for dinner in all of our finery. The divine Liv Carter, manager at Soul, gave us the most beautiful table in the sunset, where we ate delicious seafood and sipped G.H. Mumm RSRV champagne… we had a fabulous celebration. Champagne was flowing at Soul Bar for Danny and his friends following the ceremony. Photo / Supplied AC: What are you most looking forward to for the rest of the year? Any other awards you have your eye on? DP: I am very driven to create new work – any awards are only a result of the work itself. So it's no surprise that I'm about to shoot my next collection. I've got a busy winter ahead, hair directing a few New Zealand Fashion Week shows and heading over to Australia a couple of times to do hairdressing shows and seminars. I love what I do, so I will just keep on going – this medal is a recognition of my passion. More beauty From the hottest runway trends to try now to the local beauty brand founder making waves globally. Our 2025 Beauty Trend Predictions Came True At Australian Fashion Week. From wine-stained lips to skincare-as-makeup, here are the top trends beauty editor Ashleigh Cometti spotted at AFW. 8 Of The Best Keratosis Pilaris Treatments To Try In 2025. Skin feeling rough, textured or bumpy? Here's how to manage keratosis pilaris this winter. Viva Beauty Awards 2025: Discover The Finalists & Vote For Your Favourites Now. Our expert judges have decided the finalists across all 30 categories, now it's over to you to crown the winners. How Katey Mandy's Raaie Is Expanding Its Global Presence With A Partnership With Sephora . Beauty entrepreneur Katey Mandy continues to push the boundaries of botanicals with New Zealand skincare brand, Raaie.
