The fall 2014 runways of Chanel and Nicole Miller featured twists on the little girl staple of ribbon-adorned hair in ways that were both modern and appropriately grown-up. While some takes on the trend—like the romantic, loosely-tied ponytails found last season at Nina Ricci—were more classic, Chanel and Nicole Miller toughened their updos by weaving ribbon and various fabrics, including leather and tweed, throughout the hair using unconventional means.
Here, the hairstylists who produced the runway looks show how to achieve the style!First, spritz strands with salt spray or dry shampoo to give hair some grip. Then select a half-inch-wide strip of textured fabric like velvet or leather, says Kevin Ryan, who created the plaits at Nicole Miller. Divide the hair you’re braiding into three sections and secure the ribbon to the top of one section with hairpins; braid the sections so ribbon is woven throughout and fasten the bottom with an elastic.
For a more intricate look, try Ryan’s handy tool: a pair of forceps. Just make your braid, slide the forceps into a portion of the plait, open them, and then nip the fabric with the tip of the forceps and pull it through. Repeat the process, threading the ribbon in and out of the braid as desired.
You can also get inspired by the chic models at Chanel, styled by Sam McKnight, who added texture by attaching Chanel fabrics (including the design house’s signature tweed) to models’ crimped hair. To get the look, tie some colorful ribbons around the base of a ponytail and let the ends hang long and loose.
For more features like this, pick up the June issue of InStyle, available on newsstands and for digital download today.
