Alice + Olivia's creative director Stacey Bendet never sends a boring beauty look down the runway (thank God!), and this season lead stylist Rodney Cutler created a chignon adorned with bright-red carnations. The strong, sleek updo didn't compete with the bold oxblood lip in front. But when the models turned around, the twisted bun stole all the attention. This simple style started with a rope braid, which has to be one of the easiest plaits to pull off — we promise. Get the step-by-step breakdown of this runway look when you keep reading.
Section Off Hair
Make a severe center part from hairline to crown. Then, create three sections by parting hair from ear to ear. Smooth the back section back into a ponytail just above the nape.
Pull Into a Ponytail
Blast your strands with Cutler Volumizing Spray [1] ($21), then brush each side section back over the original ponytail. By incorporating the side sections separately, you get a smooth swoop over the ears.
Twist
Divide the ponytail into two sections and tightly twist each piece in a counterclockwise motion.
Make a Rope Braid
Then, cross these sections around each other in a rope-like fashion. Secure with an elastic at the ends.
Create a Chignon
Convert the rope braid into a chignon by pinning the hair in a horizontal pattern with U-shaped hairpins.
Smooth With Hair Spray
Lock in the style with a spritz of Redken Fashion Work #12 Versatile Hair Spray [2] ($22).
Add Flowers For Flair
As a final touch, Cutler added three ruby carnations to each chignon to complement the crimson colors in Stacey Bendet's clothing collection.
The Finished Look
