“The shape of the chignon is simple, but the texture is complex,” says Odile Gilbert, who created the hairstyle for Rodarte’s fall 2009 show. “Like the collection, which plays with fabric and texture, the look is sleek in front with an architectural, modern chignon in back.” Gilbert was particularly taken with the crisscrossed laces of the Nicholas Kirkwood thigh-high boots gracing Rodarte’s catwalk: During a pre-Fashion Week hair test, Gilbert watched as dressers wrapped one model’s leg after another and was suddenly inspired to incorporate lacing into the show’s hairstyle too.
After prepping hair with Aveda Smooth Infusion Glossing Straightener and blow-drying, Gilbert pulled strands into a low off-center ponytail. Next, she divided the pony into two sections and secured an elastic string at the base. Once twisting the string down the length of a section and tying at the end, she strung another elastic and performed the same action on the remaining portion. Gilbert then crafted the completed rope braids into a square-shaped bun and finished with Aveda Air Control Hair Spray.