Photographic/Hairdressing Win for Wellington Girl

Photographic/Hairdressing Win for Wellington Girl

A win in the national hairdressing competitions held in Auckland has been a great boost for Wellington Institute of Technology hairdressing student Roha Garland.

Ms Garland from Mt Cook, Wellington, placed first in the Novice Category of the Editorial Stylist of the year in the NZARH Editorial Photographic Awards. The competition required the stylist to create hairstyle, make-up and clothing on a model of their choice, and submit a photographic image suitable for use on a magazine cover.

“It’s been so exciting,” says Ms Garland, “this is a win to be proud of.”

The work had to forecast fashion for the up-coming season. Four finalists were selected from industry students nationwide and Ms Garland’s win was announced in Auckland late last month.

Ms Garland bought, borrowed and made the make-up, clothing, jewellery and accessories she used to outfit the model who was Ly Doan, also a WelTec hairdressing student. Larry McMahon provided photography.

She chose to work with canary yellow on her model and showcase a feminine but edgy look, inspired in part by Lady Gaga. “The final image came together as more gothic than what I had expected with a rock feel, but it worked well,” Ms Garland says. It took two hours to complete the final hair and make-up for the photography shoot and Ms Garland also worked on location to oversee the modelling.

Ms Garland was flown up to Auckland to receive her award and trophy. She was able to watch the winner selected for the main editorial award which was only open to industry professionals. “It’s been a great chance to network and learn about the industry,” she says.

Ms Garland is of Ngāti Kahungunu and Greek ancestry and attributes much of her creativity to a rich cultural family heritage. She first studied make-up artistry at WelTec in 2010 and after qualifying worked in the film industry including time spending time on Spartacus the television series in Auckland.

Ms Garland explains that while working when she saw a preference emerging in employers. “Smaller business in particular would look for stylists capable of achieving a whole fashion statement on one model, rather than being only able to provide make-up artistry like I was,” she says.

Ms Garland returned to WelTec to add hairdressing to her skills. After completing her programme this month, she plans to work on her portfolio and take on freelance jobs aiming at eventually finding work in the film and television industry.

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