RUNWAY REPORT:
How they get that look

CHIC DUALITY

Nioxin hairstylist Laurentius Purnama weaves simplicity and intricacy together for the Alvin Valley runway.

When New York designer Alvin Valley met with Nioxin stylist Laurentius Purnama to discuss his vision for the perfect fall runway coil, Valley mentioned two words: chic simplicity. the hair couldn't overpower the clothes; theatrics weren't necessary. Though Valley preferred a simple look, he certainly didn't want simple to translate to boring.

To meet this request, Purnama came up with a hairdo that built on duality. From the front, the hair parts down the middle and is silky smooth (deceptively simple), and from the back, a labyrinth-like chignon lends a kick of complexity (ultimate chic). "Chignons are always in fashion -- the epitome of simple-chic," says Purnama.

"This style perfectly complements Alvin's clothes because it adds a beautiful intricacy to the look," says Purnama. "When the model turns around, you see a flash of braided, woven hair. I provides a multidimensional, textural feel -- which perfectly mirrors the textural combos Alvin employs, such as silks with marabou feathers."