{the classic chignon}
Sunday 7th September, 2008
by Roséline
There is a film called ‘Le Chignon d’Olga‘ in which a young man falls hopelessly in love with a girl after he glimpses her chignon from afar . . .
Something about Fall always reminds me of this simple, yet incredibly sophisticated hairstyle.
The word chignon {shee-nyawn} comes from the French phrase “chignon du cou,” which means nape of the neck and refers to a large, smooth twist, roll, or knot of hair, worn by women at the nape of the neck or the back of the head.
The chignon completes any outfit, is as perfect for the gallery as it is for a day at home, and best of all, it’s both elegantly demure and wonderfully sexy at the same time . . .
{1 – via layers of meaning; 2+3 – via the fashion spot; 4 + 6 via on decorum; 5, 7 + 8 – Harper’s Bazaar Runway Report Fall/Winter 2008}Explore More fashion
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I love the chignon . It is one of the few things I can do with my long hair that doesn’t look like my cat did my hair :)
I always thought it was called a ‘bun’ we have to wear our hair like this in the Army. nothing messy though, sleek and above the collar. Most look like the bottom left.
I’m convinced I look better with my hair pulled up & back. I love a chignon. It’s elegant. Simple. Graceful and uniquely feminine.
All the photos feature women with sleek, straight hair. With thick and curly hair, these styles look less ‘glamorous’ and more ‘crazy cat lady’, unfortunately.
These hairstyles are so sophisticated and would look so amazing on a bride. LOVE the braid!
Jen Ramos
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so pretty … I can never quite figure these out….it always looks a little too sloppy. Now I’m inspired to figure it properly :-)
Amelie – very sad, but perhaps when your hair grows again?
i.d. – completely agree – in jeans or an evening gown, it’s equally perfect, and sounds like you’re a romantic like me :)
anon – try http://www.lagarconne.com
elegant – so glad you brought up the French twist, an equally lovely and sophisticated style
So inspiring…I’m going to try the last one with the braid.
i have a long hair so i will definetly study thhis approach of styling hair…
its very elegant…
u should style it like that.
I now have short hair , I’m sad about it because I love chignons
i love chignons because they always make you look 10 times more sophisticated :)
Care to trade links?
http://www.themillenniallife.blogspot.com
This is so simple, yet perfect!
now I feel better about wearing a bun amost every day :P
i never know if im doing it properly but i try…
Lovely photos, lovely hair. Just lovely. Thanks so much for sharing.
The chignon and the upswept French Twist deserve hall-of-fame status in my book.
cute, though not as easy to do when you have thick hair.
does anyone know who makes the handbag in the 1st picture???
i love it – will always be chic…classic style!
ive grown my hair the longest its ever been…i actually avoid putting it up too much as it tends to break!
That first one is such a lovely shot.
I loooove the braids one and am dying to wear my hair like this! Gorgeous!
LOVE the braided one.
I love this look!!!!
I’m glad you wrote how it is pronounced. I have always wondered!
I love a good chignon, especially when braids are worked in… terrible at doing it myself though, I always end up with bumps!
I’m loving it, but mine is never so well done!
oh! and happy gazing…..
this just made me decide to keep my hair long!
thanks for leaving me *heart* words…
:)
love this classic. just love it.
:)
I just have my hair long enough to try these cute looks. How proud..
bottom left is nice, they are all nice actually… very nice post!!
The chignon lends sophistication to even the most casual of outfits – and it’s so easy to pull off!
Great post, I love that anecdote about that French film – tres romantic! :)
What a great post, I love it! I love this look too, very femine:)
I love the one with the braid – how lovely.
I’m loving the bottom one… So cute but since I’ve cut my hair last month, I can’t do that any more… What a sad story isn’t it ?