Through the articulation of the imagination that meets no bounds, we embarked on a journey of metamorphosis – the art of transformation hat was given a bold identity by L’Oréal Professionnel Style & Colour Trophy Australia and New Zealand winner for 2023, Rebecca Brent, as the cover shoot for INSTYLE September October. Drawing on otherworldly ideas and a dash of punk rebel, we unfurl a colourful world of transformative power.

Approaching a blank canvas like she was designing a metaverse for herself, Rebecca Brent is obsessed with colours of pink and lilac and the contrast of vivid shapes and wet textures. Rebecca expanded on her winning L’Oréal Professionnel Style and Colour Trophy entry and created an editorial that pushed her imagination, mastered her wig work and resulted in a punk rebellion meets mermaid-like dream editorial.

We spoke to Rebecca about the competition, the shoot and beyond.

What did you love most about building on your L’Oréal Professionnel Style & Colour Trophy concept for an editorial?

I loved thinking about how I could make hair colour work to somehow tie all the looks together. I enjoyed preparing these hairpieces specially for it. It also pushed me creatively as I don’t normally work with wigs or hair pieces.

How did you blend the theme of Metamorphosis with your vision for combining both wet and dry textures?

Metamorphosis is about transformation and so I designed each look to evolve into the next while keeping a vivid reflection of my style. The wet look was used as the blueprint and that merged into slick sides combining dry textures as well.

What are your favourite go-to L’Oréal Professionnel products?

I love Tecni.ART Rebel Push Up Texturising Mousse for hold and shape as it suits all hair types and is super hydrating. I am also obsessed with the Metal Detox range, with the oil being my star product. Hair has never felt so good!

What were some of your favourite styles on the shoot and why?

I have a soft spot for the last two styles we shot, to me these are at the core of what the metaverse is like. A fusion of eras with an essence of punk rebellion with the elegance of regal flair. I loved making the colours for these pieces.

What is one your proudest hair moments to date?

Definitely winning the first ANZ L’Oréal Professionnel Style & Colour Trophy has to be up there with my proudest hair moments. I hope to next be representing us in Paris on the global stage!

Where do you look for style inspiration?

Style inspiration comes from the weirdest places for me, I am always looking. It might be a word in a song, the colour of a bird or just a cool young street style that can set something off. I also get a lot out of interior and architecture magazines especially with colour trends and textures. I try to stay off the internet as it’s getting harder to not be influenced by your phone’s algorithm, you end up seeing the same things all the time.

Who in the industry inspires you?

Guido Paulo was a huge influence in my original L’Oréal Professionnel Style & Colour Trophy entry and I adore Sam McKnight’s aesthetic.

What motivates you to do what you do daily?

Meditation! Your self-speak is the biggest motivator of all.

What did you love most about the opportunity to style for editorial versus salon work?

Editorial work is so different to your salon day to day. All hairstylists are creatives, so to have the opportunity to explore your ideas, have them photographed by a top photographer using beautiful models as styled by a stylist and make-up artist has motivated me so much. Plus, it makes for good stories for my clients when I get back to the salon! Adventures and meeting like-minded souls fills your cup like no other.

How has L’Oréal Professionnel Style & Colour Trophy helped push your creativity and opened up new opportunities?

I actually went and retrained with a hairdresser in New Zealand to achieve my original entry. The gala was an incredible experience because I was working alongside 25 of Australia and New Zealand’s best hair artists, the energy and inspiration backstage was electric. The finale competition was another push creatively, to come up with a new model and concept and get that up to the level needed to win was all consuming. I met some life-long friends at that event and really gained confidence with my public self. I always push everyone else into the limelight so to then have the INSTYLE shoot the week after was incredible. I feel like I am in my flow at the moment. I am looking forward to keeping this momentum up and pushing my ideas further. L’Oréal Professionnel have really given me so many opportunities over the years and I am very grateful for all of them.

Credits:

Hair: Rebecca Brent for L’Oréal Professionnel Style and Colour Trophy @bexbrent @lorealpro_education_aus @lorealpro_education_nzl
Photography: Milos Mlynarik @milosmylnarik
Styling: Livia Tassanyi @stylebysharpy
Make up: Lola Teillet @bylolawithlove
Videography: Tye Bate @tye_bate
Creative Direction: Cameron Pine @cameron_pine

For more information visit www.lorealprofessionnel.com.au

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