NYFW Get the Look: Beautiful Braids at Bibhu Mohapatra by Amit Abraham

Inspired by Jazz-age muse, heiress and political activist, Nancy Cunard, the Bibhu Mohapatra Spring 2015 collection echoes the unapologetic strength of women who break the rules. Cunard’s avant-guard look is brought to life through the opulent fabrics and palette of Mohapatra’s collection. “I drew inspiration from a strong, controversial woman and wanted the hair to compliment her rule-breaking style,” says designer Mohapatra.

“The play on textures and the variations of braids and chignons embrace Nancy Cunard’s far-reaching influences,” commented lead stylist Amit Abraham. “Tribal braids are coupled with a lady-like chignon and a braided crown to create a modern iconoclastic look.”

Get the Look:
1. Prime hair with new L’Oréal Professionnel Mythic Oil Sève Protectrice and divide hair into two sections, one on top of the other. The top section is held loose at the apex and bottom is slicked into a ponytail at the occipital bone.

2. Center part top section from hairline to apex and create two cornrows on either side of the center part then secure with an elastic and wrap ends around ponytail underneath.

3. Apply L’Oréal Professionnel True Grip to ponytail and split into two sections.

4. Box braid the left side and secure with elastic. On the opposite section, French lace (ruche technique) braid for texture.

5. Wrap braid and ruched sections together to create a voluminous chignon.

6. Finish by spraying with L’Oréal Professionnel Perfect Shimmer and L’Oréal Professionnel Infinium 3 for shine and hold.

7. Starting at the the front of the hairline, take a black cord and sew a lace pattern through the cornrows using a crochet needle.

8. Use new L’Oréal Professionnel Homme Poker Paste to smooth fly-aways.

[Images courtesy of Bratskeir & Co.]