The braid brigade

Back. dry—plaits are cancel the blow- Bin the bun and cool for schoolgirls they’re way too This time round,

Proenza Schouler Pre Styling Cream by Balmain Smoothing Shine Drops by Philip B Picture a perfectly preened power woman. Do you see a cascade of coiffured locks? Blow-drys, beach waves and sleek bobs have, for years now, dominated on and off the runways. But change is afoot. No longer the Pippi Longstocking-inspired styles of My Little Pony-wielding schoolgirls, the new plaits are tightly woven or twisted, slicked and wisp-free. From the tiny twines (reminiscent of the braids you returned from hot holidays with as a child) that Paul Hanlon scattered through straight, simple hair at Louis Vuitton, and the single twists at Public School and Proenza Schouler, to the cornrowinspired updos at Valentino, these are plaits with attitude. Polished, urban and oozing with tough-girl cool, the look is equally as appropriate with a gown or a T-shirt. So, gals, consider the gauntlet laid: whether French or fishtail, cornrow or boxer, it’s time to pimp your ponytail.

Public School

Valentino