We caught up with Liz Cooper, the winner of Professional Bridal Stylist of the Year (Sponsored by Zen Hair Extensions) at the 2024 Pro Hair Awards, to talk bridal beauties, buns and boho vibes at New York Fashion Week…
“Last year, I was honoured to be awarded Professional Bridal Stylist of the Year at the Pro Hair Awards 2024 – a milestone that has shaped an incredible year of opportunities and growth for me.
Over the past 12 months, my work has taken me beyond the bridal suite and onto the international stage. Last month, I actually flew out to New York to join a team of international hairstylists – led by the talented Kara Louise hair – for New York Fashion Week.
During the event, we styled for two very different shows: Firstly, the Hair Couture Show, where I created a dramatic look to celebrate the beauty of curly red hair. Featuring our hair extension sponsor, Zascha Hair, I layered wefts of clip-in extensions in shades of natural red tones. To bring the boho vibes, I decorated the hair with dried flowers, creating a contrast of natural beauty amongst the dazzling lights of the city. Flowers in the hair had a dominating presence at New York Fashion Week, and they’re set to be a serious trend for 2026.
Next, we had the privilege of styling for the luxury fashion brand, Toussaint Lea. For this show, I created a sleek, pleated bun to complement their latest collection ‘Confidence’.
Both looks were powered by our backstage sponsor, O&M, and some of my top styling heroes included: Rootalicious Root Lift, Thique Volumising Powder, Original Queenie Firm Hold Hairspray and W-Spray Dry Wax. By combining all of these products, I was able to create the volume, hold and polish essential for high-fashion hair.
Building on all of my experiences at New York Fashion Week, 2026 will see the launch of my own creative platform: The Artful Atelier. Our mission is to give stylists a platform to showcase their hair and makeup artistry, teaching them how to push creative boundaries.
Through The Artful Atelier, we will be debuting our first Bridal Runway show for 2026 – where wild hearts and artistry meet the aisle! It will be a unique, immersive catwalk that celebrates free-spirited, romantic bridal styling, where hair moves, texture is embraced and individuality is front and centre.
From award-winning bridal styling and being backstage at Fashion Week, to now curating a runway of my own, this past year has been all about expanding the conversation around what bridal hair can be, and I’ve loved every minute of it!” – Follow Liz on Instagram @theartfulhairstylist
