Braid New World

Schwarzkopf celebrity hairstylist Larry Sims, who has worked with the likes of Gabrielle Union, Tracee Ellis Ross, Lupita Nyong’o, and more, traces the origins of braids back to African culture. “Braids have been impressionable throughout history,” says Sims. “The origin of the braid can be traced back 5000 years in African culture to 3500 BC—they were very popular among women.”

According to Sims, cornrows with beads were very popular in the 1970s and box braids gained popularity in the 1990s.

“In my opinion, the braid will never be out of the picture. They’re always going to be fashionable because they’re practical and chic,” says hairstylist Nunzio Saviano of Nunzio Saviano Salon. 

The Unexpected Accessory That Holds It All Together

Pull up your Youtube braid tutorials this season, as you’ll need to sharpen your skills. Braids of all kinds hit the runway (including four-strand and fishtail). The coolest way to wear the trend? A long, low, and loose fishtail, inspired by the one seen at the Chanel Hamburg pre-fall show. Accent it with a glamorous accessory fastened at the nape.

At Self-Portrait, lead hairstylist Jimmy Paul, working with Bumble and Bumble, created a low plait that was inspired by the signer Sade. At Self-Portrait, the hair was parted down the middle, tied into a tight ponytail, and then braided — and there wasn’t a loose hair or sprout of frizz in sight.

photo, Natasha Gerschon, Sting Inc.

makeup, Brodine Rochelle, Judy Inc.

hair, Sandra Yang

fashion stylist, Michelle Paiano, Judy Inc.

DRESS, MARIE SAINT PIERRE; EARRINGS, ROBERT LEE MORRIS

SKIN & BODYCARE: CLEARLIFE

DRESS, LUCIAN MATIS

SKIN & BODYCARE: CLEARLIFE

DRESS, FOXIEDOT; NECK PIECE MADE BY MICHELLE PAIANO

SKIN & BODYCARE: CLEARLIFE

DRESS, BARDOT

SKIN & BODYCARE: CLEARLIFE

DRESS, MARIE SAINT PIERRE; NECK PIECE MADE BY MICHELLE PAIANO

SKIN & BODYCARE: CLEARLIFE