Putting together an award-winning avant-garde photoshoot

Putting together an avant-garde photoshoot requires teamwork, from the right stylist to a makeup artist who understands how to flatter edgy hairstyles.

Here, HJ's 2011 Avant Garde Hairdresser of the Year Indira Schauwecker of Toni & Guy talks through one of her winning images with the rest of the team responsible.

"I was inspired by insect queens for this collection. To portray an array of characters, I used a new technique that I developed to create shapes and texture in the hair. I used juxtaposing forms and quirky dimensions to create this effect, and referenced historical and modern architecture to create the bold structures. I worked closely with the photographer, stylist and make-up artist to bring my vision to life."

"Toni & Guy has always created beautiful avant-garde collections. Indira has taken this heritage to a whole new level. For me, it's hairdressing artistry at its best and in Indira's collection you can see all the detail that she works so hard to create. The images always tell a story and her narrative is beautifully captured by the photographer."

"It's exciting to work with Indira because it gives me such a challenge. First, I have to record the incredible hair she creates in fine detail, then we work together to make the model alive in the image. It was one of the most amazing, high-level sessions I have ever experienced during my career as a photographer."

"Indira's hair design is both futuristic and historical, and culminates in an otherworldly aesthetic, and I wanted to reflect this juxtaposition in the styling. I used a mixture of very historical garments and designs that incorporate intricate and almost organic techniques and fabrics, keeping the colour palette neutral and natural."