{"id":840004,"date":"2025-12-03T11:35:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-03T08:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=840004"},"modified":"2025-12-03T11:35:00","modified_gmt":"2025-12-03T08:35:00","slug":"meet-the-braider-behind-the-afro-textured-hairstyles-at-pfw-ss26","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=840004","title":{"rendered":"Meet the braider behind the Afro-textured hairstyles at PFW SS26"},"content":{"rendered":"
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This season\u2019s Paris shows<\/a> illustrated the versatility of Afro hair<\/a>, with models styled in the kinds of detailed, patterned braids that warrant hours in a salon chair. From Celine<\/a> to Rabanne<\/a>, SS26<\/a> marked a shift in the representation of textured hair on the runway. Like the garments themselves, the braiding came alive through shape and skilful construction, from swooping concentric cornrows framing either side of the face, to painstakingly tiny, pared-back cornrows gathering in a low, elegant knot. One model walked the Chanel show<\/a> in long locs, a definitive embrace of natural hair in high fashion that complemented the clothing\u2019s easy femininity.<\/span><\/p>\n

For a long time, luxury fashion\u2019s casting directors worked within narrow definitions of beauty. By default, models were slim and white, with palatable (read: untextured) hair types. Today runways are beginning to better reflect the industry\u2019s (slowly) growing diversity, but age-old codes of beauty that cast textured hair as inconvenient, difficult or unpolished remain difficult to shake. Black models continue to share backstage experiences<\/a> of being overlooked \u2013 or othered \u2013 during hair and make-up. When apathy and a lack of expertise converge backstage<\/a>, models are left to act as their own hairstylists and make-up artists.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Stylists like <\/span>Jawara Wauchope<\/span><\/a> and Naeemah LaFond have been instructive in their considered treatment of textured hair, but the fashion industry all too often overlooks its cultural, spiritual and aesthetic value. It\u2019s why the ornate, eye-catching braids that adorned models\u2019 heads this season were so special. Led by veteran <\/span>Duffy<\/span><\/a>, a set of hairstylists that included Afro hair specialists brought intricate African braiding to shows like Celine, Rabanne and Matthieu Blazy\u2019s Chanel debut. These looks signalled a shift in the representation of Afro hair in luxury fashion. Far from being treated as an inconvenience or an afterthought, textured hair was recognised as a versatile canvas for realising a cohesive creative vision.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jelisa<\/span><\/a> is a Paris-based hairstylist who has worked with Duffy\u2019s team on some of fashion\u2019s biggest stages. As a stylist and talented braider navigating the industry, she\u2019s observed the uptick in elevated runway styles for textured hair. Following a busy Paris Fashion Week, she reflects on the changing treatment and representation of Afro-textured hair in fashion and the challenges the industry has yet to tackle.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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