Backstage beauty: Hair at Christian Siriano fall/winter 2012 show

Stylists: Aveda Global Creative Director Antoinette Beenders

Hair-spiration:

"Christian's collection is inspired by the beauty of bats, so we wanted to create a style that would echo that concept and complement his designs," Beenders says. "We kept the hair close to the head to mimic the body shape of a bat, using the braids as an anchor at the nape, as well as a way to minimize volume. The style is uncomplicated, modern and sophisticated."

Fashion inspiration:

Christian Siriano:  "My inspirations for the fall 2012 collection are bats and specifically the '30s film The Vampire Bat... I find beauty in the wings of the bat, which can be seen in the details of the clothing -- leather appliqués, ethereal flowing silk crepe dresses, tops and capes taking flight."

1. Prep hair with Aveda Smooth Infusion Style-Prep Smoother and blowdry straight.
2. Part hair on both sides at the parietal ridge (the area where your bones start to curve upward) and secure hair on top of the head with an elastic.
3. Continue the parts on both sides of the head toward the nape. Secure the center section at the back of the head with an elastic.
4. Starting on the left side of the head, comb out the loose section and prep with Aveda Air Control Hair Spray. Create an inverted braid, starting at the temple – one to two inches above the ear – working toward the nape, following the natural curve of the hairline.
5. Secure the braid at the nape with an elastic and flat iron the loose ends.
6. Repeat on the right side of the head and mist both braids with Aveda Control Force Firm Hold Hair Spray.
7. Release the section at the back of the head and comb out.
8. Flat iron hair in 1-inch sections, prepping with Aveda Air Control Hair Spray to add a bit of gloss and light hold, moving up the from nape to the crown.
9. Remove the elastic from the top section and use a flat iron to smooth the hair, working in horizontal sections from sides to center part. Let the hair fall over the braids, covering them completely, and smooth out with a fine-toothed comb.
10. Pull the hair back, as if you were creating a low pony tail, in a wide, flat swath. Use pins to hold hair in place, anchoring them into the braids on the left and right sides of the swath.
11. Secure hair by placing a 3- to 4-inch metal comb horizontally at the nape. Remove pins.
12. Mist with Aveda Control Force Firm Hold Hair Spray to tame flyaways and add shine. Spritz with Aveda Brilliant Spray-On Shine for added gloss to finish.

More Fashion Week

Backstage beauty: Hair at Richard Chai fall/winter 2012 show
A fashion session with The Style Network's Cecilia Cassini
Designer spotlight: Jenny Packham

Photos courtesy of Aveda