The Secret Behind the Ribbon-Choker Hair at Mary Katrantzou’s Spring Show

Editors at Mary Katrantzou’s Spring 2016 show weren’t focused just on the clothes; they were also abuzz about the tiny pieces of ribbon tied around models’ necks and hair. “It’s not a headband, it’s not a grip, it’s not a barrette—it’s a new way to accessorize the hair, and that’s what I love about it,” explained hair stylist Paul Hanlon backstage. “It’s different.” He and his team tied small bits of Petersham ribbon—traditionally used in millinery and also used as an accent in Katrantzou’s collection—around models’ necks, ’90s-choker-style, before fastening them into pretty bows visible from the back. “Mary’s girls in the past have always been very natural,” Hanlon said. “This season, I wanted them to feel more elevated.”

Working with L’Oréal Professionnel products, Hanlon prepped models’ hair by layering up Tecni.Art Pli with Tecni.Art Fix Design Spray before sealing the combination with heat to create a malleable texture. To make the hair look even more luxe, he then applied Mythic Oil on the ends to seal in the cuticles. “At this point, post-summer and already one and a half weeks into the shows, hair is starting to show wear and tear,” he explained.

Paul then pulled the hair out into a little “bump” at the nape of the neck to create a bit of detail in the profile. “The bow choker gives hair the kind of restriction that a garment like a scarf or a roll-neck would give,” he said. After the show, most of the models ran off with the style still in place—a sure sign that the look will be coming soon to a street corner near you.

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