"This look gets me with the detailing," says Artist Collective member and judge Alexa Grace Chwarzynski. "The zipper braid down the center catches my eye right away. It's perfect for that person who still wants something secure and pinned but is down!"
"This look gets me with the detailing," says Artist Collective member and judge Alexa Grace Chwarzynski. "The zipper braid down the center catches my eye right away. It's perfect for that person who still wants something secure and pinned but is down!"

MODERN launched our Haute Holiday competition in September to promote industry artistry and name one of YOU as the newest member of our exclusive 2017 Artist Collective (which includes @theconfessionsofahairstylist, @alexfaction, @taylor_lamb_hair, @antestradahair and @ay_grace among others).   

Our 2017 Haute Holiday grand-prize winner is... Galyna Poczciwinski!

Milford, Connecticut-based Poczciwinski was initially selected by MODERN SALON editors as one of 10 semifinalists from thousands of entries. The 10 seminfinalists were sent a gift box with goodies from Kenra, Agadir, Pink Pewter, Lakme, X-Fusion by Toppik, Moroccanoil, Living Proof and Hot Toolsand they were tasked with creating a beautiful holiday style. Our Artist Collective judged those entries and narrowed them to five finalists.

The five finalists had to create a New-Years-Eve-ready style using at least one product from our Challenge Box sponsored by Fave4, TIGI and Ulta Beauty. And you, MODERN SALON readers, voted for our winner!

"I love how she created structure and softness," says Artist Collective member and judge Antonio Estrada. "It's a look that is totally trending, but she added an element of surprise."

"It is different," says Artist Collective member and judge Jenny Strebe. "She utilized two different techniques together."
"It is different," says Artist Collective member and judge Jenny Strebe. "She utilized two different techniques together."

As the Haute Holiday winner, Poczciwinski is being named the newest member of MODERN SALON’s exclusive Artist Collective, will be recognized in an upcoming issue of MODERN SALON magazine and has received more than $2,000 worth of products and tools from professional beauty brands.

We want say CONGRATULATIONS to Galyna Poczciwinski for her beautiful styles—it's a title well-earned! All the entries, semifinalist submissions and finalist submissions have been inspiring, and we also congratulate all those who have been a part of the competition. 

Enormous thanks to all the Haute Holiday sponsors; they really sweetened the pot with amazing products and tools to send to our semifinalists and finalists, and the contest wouldn't have been possible without their support!

If you want to see how we got from thousands of entries to one winner, be sure to check out all our photo galleries!

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