Simply Di-Vines

Stylist Tippi Shorter branches out from typical bridal hair fare at Claire Pettibone.

Designer: Claire Pettibone

Product: Smart Heat by Belson

View PDF for more images from the show »

“I call this my ‘branch bun,’” laughs superstylist Tippi Shorter as she tweaks a model’s updo backstage at bridal designer Claire Pettibone’s show. “Claire didn’t ask for anything specific for the hairstyle. But, she did say her collection is inspired by cherry blossoms, so I wanted to incorporate the idea of vines… or branches.”

The bun, either perched high atop the head or low on the nape depending on the wedding gown’s design, is composed of tightly twirled sections that coil up into an organic cluster. Shorter, who’s working with Smart Heat by Belson, offsets the sheen-packed bun with a blunt-cut, bone-straight faux fringe— a graphic statement, if ever there was one. “The bangs bring that classic Japanese style into it,” Shorter relates. “I’m trimming them just above the brow to highlight the girls’ bone structure.” Also lending a couture twist: Each bun is slightly off-center, which Shorter notes is a stylistic choice.

Though this tightly coiled bun is a leap from the traditional French twists favored by alter-bound beauties, Shorter has faith that bold brides will take to this sleek, haute style. “It all depends on how adventurous your bride is, I suppose,” she says. “We can certainly make it more bride-friendly by using larger sections for our vines so that the bun doesn’t appear so ‘twiny.’” But with such fashion-forward wedding attire, who wants the same ole updo? —Karie L. Frost

SCORE THIS LOOK

Bringing branch-y beauty to your brides is a snap with this Smart Heat by Belson tool.

1” Professional Straightening Iron: sleekens strands via floating, nanoceramic plates

(Photo: Courtesy of Claire Pettibone)