. . . when the chanel spring 2012 ready-to-wear collection graced the runways of paris, there was a collective gasp at the magic underwater kingdom created by karl lagerfeld — there was lightness and seashells, but most astonishingly lovely, were the iridescent pearls glistening from chignons and following the curvatures of necks and down plunging backs . . .

. . . and after happening upon a few beautiful backstage photos of the show recently, a few golden hairpins laying about on the dressing table, and some pretty pearl beads were all the inspiration necessary . . .

. . . and so, below, how-to instructions, using little more than a few simple tools and items from a craft or bead shop, and a little creativity, to recreate chanel’s enchantment under the sea . . .

{you will need:}

* pearl beads for making necklaces [here, two sizes used] * wire cutters
* fine gold wire [here, 28 gauge used] * golden hairpins/bobby pins
* glue gun
* [needle-nose jewellery pliers might also be useful]

HOW TO : MERMAID PEARL HAIRPINS | steps

01 | using the wire cutters, cut a length of gold wire, about six inches

02 | thread one end of the wire through a pearl bead, to the mid-way point, then fold the wire in half

03 | thread one loose end of the wire into the end of the hairpin, centering the pearl to the top

04 | affix the pearl bead to the hairpin by carefully & tightly wrapping the gold wire, alternating ends [above] — this step can be a little tricky, requiring dexterity and a little patience; continue wrapping the wire ends around the hairpin until the pearl is secure

05 | once the pearl is secure, snip off the extra wire with the cutters and bend the wire ends toward the base of the pearl; add a drop of hot glue to hold everything in place and to prevent any sharp ends

06 | and you’re finished! continue with the next, making as many mermaid hairpins as you wish

07 | pull hair into a relaxed chignon, and place mermaid pins randomly about, alternating between pearl sizes for a romantic & pretty updo that is as perfect for the office, an afternoon at the flower markets, or dinner reservations for two . . .

[images: style.com /// tope /// lolita abraham ///refinery29 /// cool & chic style fashion /// the 16th bar /// how-to images, photography by p.f.m & roséline for {this is glamorous} /// how-to instructions   for {this is glamorous}; above, roséline’s chignon, photography by p.f.m]