Soft and Romantic "Flat Chignon"

The hairstyle created by Odile Gilbert, AVEDA's Global Creative Director of Hair, for the Jason Wu Fall/Winter 2010 Collection during New York Fashion Week was a soft, romantic flat chignon, achieved using the newly released Smooth Infusion™ Gloss Straightener (available May 6th) and the upcoming Control Force™ Hairspray.

"The theme for Jason Wu's hair this season was 'charm,' so we aimed for a romantic and innocent atmosphere," says Odile Gilbert. "The inspiration came from Holly Hunter in the film 'The Piano."

Below is an interview with Odile and Jason.

—What was the inspiration for this style? How did you collaborate with the designer on the styling?

Jason and I were inspired by Holly Hunter in the beach scene from "The Piano." We wanted this season's hair look to capture that atmosphere. It's a very youthful and innocent style. From the front, there are sleek sections and loosely gathered sections, and the chignon, secured with elastic bands to mimic braids, has a sophisticated feel. It's a soft and romantic hair look.

—How can I style this myself?

This style works for both day and night, but it's particularly romantic for evening. Apply Smooth Infusion™ Gloss Straightener to damp hair and blow-dry straight. Loosely pull the side sections to frame the face, just enough to cover the ears, and gather the rest into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck. Wrap a long elastic band around the ponytail, pulling it taut to create a slender shape, or you can braid it. Secure this with pins and wrap it around to form a flat chignon at the nape.

Pursuing Eco-Consciousness Throughout the Show Was Paramount

—Jason Wu, to you: What does this style represent for the collection?

This season, I drew a lot of inspiration from Irving Penn's photographs, especially his platinum prints. I wanted to incorporate not just Penn's work, but also the personal atmosphere he captured into my collection.

—You made a real effort to make this season's show "green." How do you feel about achieving this?

While the collection itself has natural and rustic associations and themes, I felt it was paramount to pursue eco-consciousness throughout the entire show production. By using "green" products backstage and minimizing waste, the fashion industry can play its part in reducing its environmental impact.

AVEDA STYLE: The Flat Chignon < How to Create the Style >

1. Dampen hair and apply AVEDA Smooth Infusion™ Gloss Straightener all over. This will help create a glossy, straight finish. Blow-dry hair straight, using a brush to smooth it.

2. Create a smooth surface by brushing the hair (you can part it in the middle or along your natural part). Loosely gather the hair (just enough so the side sections frame the face, covering the ears) and tie it into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck (around jaw height). Spray with Control Force™ Hairspray to ensure strong hold throughout the day.

3. Wrap a long elastic band (about 25cm) around the ponytail, pulling it taut. Wrap it alternately in an 'X' pattern from the base to the ends of the hair, creating a slender shape resembling a braid. Secure firmly at the end and spray with Control Force™ Hairspray to set.

4. Wrap the slender ponytail around to create a flat chignon at the nape of the neck, securing with hairpins.

5. Let the side sections fall slightly to frame the face. The key is to keep the sides loose for a romantic feel while ensuring the chignon is securely fastened. Finish with a light mist of Control Force™ Hairspray.

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