On the Runway: Texture Takes Over

The spring fashions shown during Fashion Week in September were complemented with textured styles. Experts predict fall fashions this month will see even more curls, waves and volume.

When Allen Ruiz, North American style director for Aveda and co-owner of Jackson Ruiz in Austin, Texas, heads out to New York for February's Fall 2011 Fashion Week, he predicts texture will be everywhere.

A bold hat is the perfect complement to a funky dress and wild curls. (Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images) Slicked on top with natural wave on bottom gave Anna Sui's model a sophisticated hippy-chic look. (Daniele Schiavello/Catwalking)

"At the Spring shows, there were hints of texture," says Ruiz, who will be doing the hair at such shows as Christian Siriano and Sophie Theallet. "At the Fall shows, we'll be seeing even more dramatic texture. Texture is here to stay, in some form or another."

The days of runways dominated by polished, smooth tresses may be a thing of the past, as a growing number of designers are opting for textured styles to complement their collections. Stylists want to make a statement, and make it big.

David Wentworth Photography David Wentworth Photography

And there's no better way to do that than by playing up texture, whether it be sexy beach waves or a voluminous afro.

Designers such as Mark Jacobs, Anna Sui, Badgley Mischka and Alice + Olivia were among those who featured textured tresses at Spring shows. And texture will be a prevalent feature on the runways in February.

"Texture is going to play a dominant role," says Rodney Cutler, owner of three Cutler Salons and Redken expert stylist. "The new interpretations will incorporate curls, texture and braids within updos that take us away from that classic shape."

Curl expert Christo of Christo Fifth Avenue believes 2011 will be a year when women rock their natural look, "with a touch of the future."

"My favorite thing about textured hair is it is never dull and boring," says Christo. "It is natural, exotic and sexy when it is styled the right way."

"Texture to me creates dimension and gives you the freedom to create a newness to a hair style by incorporating different kinds of texture, whether it's a certain type of movement or a different finish to the hair through product usage," says Cutler.

"Fashion is about this organic evolution. I am thrilled where it is at the moment where we have these old Hollywood shapes incorporated with these varying textured techniques."

Braids plus texture equal a unique updo. Loose curls left half down make for a softer textured look. A roughed up bun with braids incorporated is an interesting departure from last year's sleeker styles. (Photos courtesy of NaturallyCurly.com)