We're six days into Fashion Week and the beauty inspiration is rolling in at an all-time, overwhelming high. A quick recap: We've seen aqua eyes for those who are feeling blue hues, pretty ponytails as an update to basic gym hair, and some not-so-practical unblended contouring. One style that's been a regular staple on the runways for quite a while is braids. Designer Mara Hoffman had Star Wars-inspired plaits last season. This time? Willie Nelson pigtail braids. Now, we're noticing another take on this look, which we are obsessed with: braided parts.
Hairstylist Eugene Souleiman took a cue from the straight and asymmetrical lines in designer Victor Alfaro's clothing for the various braided 'dos he created. “I looked at the textiles of the clothes. And when I looked at the knitwear, it was as if it had almost been braided,” he says. “I have always worked very intuitively and I instinctively felt that we should do braids — something very modern, graphic with a detail, but in its simplest form.” Every plait was slightly different from the last — some were positioned on the center of the head, some fell toward the back in beautiful zigzags, and others (our personal favorites) were placed alongside the parts.
Hairstylist Orlando Pita followed suit at Hervé Léger with a similar side-part plait. In his version, rather than braiding the style toward the back — in a cornrow-like fashion — it was braided frontward, with the braid continuing loosely along the hairline and the ends pulled into a ponytail. He left stray wisps of hair loose for a purposely undone effect.
Sleek or soft, these styles are a great way to upgrade your basic braid. Just remember — in braids, as in life — practice makes perfect.