How To Recreate This ‘Satin Ponytail’ Look From LaQuan Smith’s Fall 2023 NYFW Presentation

Black fashion designer LaQuan Smith continued his reign of retro ‘80s glam slay with his latest New York Fashion week fête at Mathattan’s Rainbow Room. 

[SEE ALSO: Beyoncé Rocks Black Fashion Designer LaQuan Smith In New Tiffany Campaign]

Models stomped the runway in his signature cut-outs, reworked tuxedos, and see-through everything in a deep, moody palette of purple and olive hues with pops of white contrast. Smith also played with a wide range of fabrics, including suedes, satin, feathers, and beaded fringe. 

Taking cues from the textures, his go-to hairstylist Lacy Redway created what she dubbed the “Satin Ponytail” to play off of the mirrored effect of the fabrics. 

While buns seemed to be a go-to look for his shows, these free-hanging ponytails served extra shine and gloss. Their shiny, slicked-back ponytails were also a nod to big, statement hair of the ‘80s with bumped-up crowns and wet-look tresses.  

“LaQuan has a lot of beautiful fabrics and silhouettes in his collection,” shared the Unilever stylist. “I drew inspiration from the materials by noticing how the sequin and satin reflected and bounced off the light. I wanted the same feelings for the hair – shiny and reflective.”

Redway shared deets on how to recreate this next-level glam using TRESemmé products, including the One Step Blowout Balm as a heat protectant. To achieve the ponytail height, she parted out the crown section “using the arch of the eyebrows as a guide on the width,” she explained. With that section clipped away, she slicked the hair down into a low ponytail using Mega Control Gel.

For the crown, she used a wide-tooth comb to rake the hair up with gel before adding it to the ponytail base. Once secure, she shined the heck out of using Keratin Smooth Shine Serum along the top and edges. 

It’s definitely giving “main character energy” — and we are here for all the drama!

Let’s not forget the rest of the hair looks. For the models without the length, Redway and her team served up wet-look brushed-back bobs and center-parted gothic tresses. We even saw back-braided cornrows and two-strand twists.

Swipe through to check our more backstage looks.