Jennifer Behr and Nai’vasha’s New Hair Accessories Collaboration Is for Modern Female Warriors

Two years ago at the 2020 Grammys, Alicia Keys wore an array of striking embellished updos while hosting the ceremony. The R&B icon’s sculptural hair came courtesy of her hairstylist Nai’vasha, while the twinkling custom hair accessories were supplied by accessories designer Jennifer Behr. “It was truly the most fun I’ve had working with another artist,” says Behr, recalling the natural creative chemistry that she and Nai’vasha shared while bringing the looks to life. “She has a natural eye for texture and pattern and loves experimenting with her work,” Behr continues. “This made the collaboration process so effortless.” Of all the looks, there was one in particular, a layered placement of rich gold flowers pinned to Keys’s cornrow updo, that would spark something bigger. “Jennifer and I chatted about how we could evolve that moment,” says Nai’vasha. “I envisioned things that appeared like they were from a vault or archive of sorts—very antique!—and we built on those thoughts.”

Behr and Nai’vasha’s initial collaboration has since evolved into a new limited-edition collection of gilded hair accessories, out today. “The process started with us wanting to amplify the nostalgia of Grammy’s 2020 with Alicia,” says Nai’vasha. “We wanted to bounce off of those hair looks that we created, but make them a full masterful collection.” During the planning phase for the 11-piece collection, which features combs, headpieces, and bobby pins designed to stand alone or be layered, “warrior woman” was a phrase that kept getting thrown around, says Nai’vasha. The duo drew inspiration from goddesses and female warriors from ancient mythology, tapping into everything from Grecian diadems to medieval royalty. From there, they selected materials, including rich gold flowers and carved leaves, amber Swarovski crystals, and delicate brass chains. “The gold leaves remind me of my time growing up in Memphis, while the chains are very much the energy of New York,” says Nai’vasha, who likens the headbands in particular to “toughened tiaras.”

“We wanted to build gilded armor—something that felt strong, but had a delicate flexibility and sense of movement,” explains Behr. “This is how we both spoke about women’s strength; something that is both strong and beautiful, fluid, and magical. We wanted to carry the golden material, delicate nature, and movement through all the pieces.”

Finding the right balance between versatility and statement-making shapes and adornments was also important. “As a designer, I’m most drawn to the larger-than-life ornate designs—the ones that are super dramatic and allow you to let your full creativity flow,” explains Behr. “After designing those, I distill elements from the materials and shapes to make designs that are easier to wear. It was important from the beginning that these pieces be accessible—not only in the hands of a professional.” She cites the collection’s Salana Cage, a full-crystal cage mask, as an example of this. “It is grandiose, yet delicate and references medieval helmets and mysterious veils in a modern way,” says Behr. This concept is also exemplified by the Nia Bobby Pin chains, which find single bobby pins accented with long crystal chains. “Everything in the collection has been designed to work in tandem and allow for the pieces to be styled in an endless variety of ways,” explains Behr.

For Nai’vasha, one standout from the collection is the golden Imani chain comb, an arrangement of crystal-studded gold flowers with a cascade of hip-grazing chains, which is best shown off fastened into an updo or ponytail. “I’ve never seen anything remotely [like it],” says Nai’vasha. “It looks like an antique piece of jewelry. It screams wealth!” And then there are the Calypso and Sade headbands, which nod to Nai’vasha’s sculptural plaited styles. “These headbands are some of the most striking pieces we’ve made,” Behr says. “They have an incredible presence that is extraordinarily rich.” At the end of the day, the goal was for each woman who puts on one of these pieces to feel regal as they move through the world. “One of the creative qualities that we share is drama,” says Nai’vasha, “be it going to the bodega or going to the gala…drama is always welcomed in our book.”

Of course, the campaign for the Jennifer Behr x Nai’vasha collaboration had to mirror the fresh majesty of the collection. Tapping into their network of muses and friends, the pair cast models that they felt embodied the spirit of the collection, including funk singer Adeline and stylist and fashion editor Rajni Jacques. “They carry a regalia and a delicate strength that directly speaks to the collaboration messaging,” says Nai’vasha. Launching during International Women’s Month, the collection arrives right on schedule as far as they’re concerned. As Nai’vasha puts it, “It couldn’t be a more perfect time for our warrior women to roar!”

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