Hair by Team Contessa;

Martin Hillier, the creative force behind The Lounge Hair Studio, was recently bestowed with the prestigious 2023 Industry Originator Award at Vancouver Fashion Week. With a career spanning back to the 70s and roots in London, England, Hillier’s impact on the hairstyling industry has been nothing short of remarkable.

Over the past two decades, Hillier has embarked on journeys to exotic locales like Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, England, and Sweden. His mission: to share cutting-edge hair techniques and innovations on stages and in classrooms, collaborating with fellow hairdressers and the public while representing professional hair care brands. Notably, he served as the Global Artistic Director with Senscience, a Shiseido professional brand.

Hillier’s influence extends beyond the salon, making him a regular presence on Vancouver television shows such as Urban Rush/Shaw and Breakfast Television/City TV. His expertise has been featured on Toronto-based Cityline/City TV, and he has graced the pages of renowned publications such as Flare, Chatelaine, Hairdresser Journal, Passion, Salon, and Canadian Hairdresser.

In 1997, Hillier, in partnership with Lance Blanchette, established the chic and inviting Lounge Hair Studio. The salon stands as a testament to Hillier’s and Blanchette’s dedication to excellence through education, personal growth, and self-fulfillment.

Continuing to push boundaries, Hillier collaborates with makeup artists, designers, and photographers, reaffirming his commitment to the fashion industry and its ever-evolving trends.

The Industry Originator Awards, hosted by Vancouver Fashion Week (VFW), recognize veterans of the local fashion industry who have significantly contributed to its advancement. Nominees and winners, including those in categories like retailer, teacher, stylist, journalist, photographer, and special recognition, are selected by industry peers and an official Originator Awards Jury. The awards ceremony, culminating in the September Fashion Week opening gala, celebrates the tireless efforts of individuals like Martin Hillier, who not only carve their own success but also pave the way for newcomers in the industry.