Bobby Pins Are Back: Khaite Brings ’90s Hair Nostalgia to Spring 2026
The bobby pins trend is officially back, and it’s making waves on the high-fashion runways. At Khaite’s Spring 2026 show, designer Catherine Holstein brought the spirit of 1990s New York back to life, and hairstylist Guido Palau made bobby pins the signature accessory of the season. The undone hairstyles, minimalist makeup, and nostalgic touches marked a major comeback for this once-overlooked hair essential.
While the clothes earned their share of admiration, it was the beauty—crafted by iconic hairstylist Guido Palau and makeup artist Diane Kendal—that stole the spotlight. Their goal? To bring back ’90s energy with a modern, lived-in twist.
A Nod to the Grit and Glam of ’90s NYC
Palau explained that Holstein often references the ’90s when conceptualizing Khaite’s collections, and this season was no different. “At Khaite, an urban ’90s girl is always slightly the inspiration,” Palau said. “Cate talks about the ’90s a lot, so her aesthetic is classic but with a downtown edge. It’s a nod to the grimy part of downtown New York at night.”
This theme came through in the hair: slightly messy, damp, and carefree, the styling mirrored the contrast of sophistication and grit on the runway. Models, including Kendall Jenner, showcased relaxed buns, loosely gathered half-up styles, and flyaway strands that framed their faces. The effortless texture gave the impression of someone coming home from a night out—confident, chic, and unapologetically real.
The Return of the Bobby Pins Trend
The most surprising beauty detail? Bobby pins. Once considered purely utilitarian, they’ve returned as a style statement. “Bobby pins have come out of retirement; we’ve seen them on celebrities used as an accessory,” Palau shared. On the Khaite runway, he placed them strategically at the back of the hair, a subtle nod to the era that first popularized the look.
This detail reinforced Khaite’s minimalist ethos. Instead of over-styled hair or intricate braiding, the pins added structure while keeping things unfussy. Their placement gave models an effortlessly cool edge, proving that sometimes the simplest accessories have the biggest impact.
How to Recreate the Look
Palau emphasized that this style isn’t just for the runway—it’s meant to be recreated in everyday life. “Hair products can really help achieve fashion looks,” he explained. He used TRESemmé A-List Collection Dry Texturizing Spray and TRESemmé A-List Collection Workable Hairspray to give strands structure and hold while maintaining movement.
He noted that many women hesitate to use hair products out of fear they’ll weigh hair down, but he reassured them: “You can’t go wrong with this dry texturizing spray. It can be brushed out while still giving a little texture. Even if the hair is clean, it beefs it up a bit and makes it look more lived in. It also gives dirty hair extra life.”
To channel the runway look at home, start by adding texture with dry spray, then sweep hair off the face into a loose bun or half-up style. Finish by pinning sections back with simple black or metallic bobby pins. The goal is to keep it imperfect—flyaways are welcome.
’90s Beauty Makes a Full Comeback
The beauty nostalgia didn’t end with hair. Diane Kendal brought back other defining ’90s trends, most notably the straight, skinny brow. Some models even walked with bleached brows, further enhancing the minimal-yet-edgy vibe.
Kendal kept the skin dewy and fresh, using just contour and highlight to sculpt the face. The eyes carried the drama with smudged, winged-out black and dark brown liner from Nars, creating a look that felt both sultry and rebellious—very reminiscent of ’90s party girls.
Before makeup, aesthetician Athena Hewett prepped models’ skin with the unreleased Montesary x Coppola Hideaways essence in a professional mister, a bouncy serum, and Monestary Attar, a nourishing balm that doubled as a natural highlight. The result was glowing, hydrated skin that balanced out the edginess of the eyes and brows.
Why the Bobby Pins Trend Resonates Now
What makes this revival of bobby pins and ’90s minimalism so appealing is its balance of effortlessness and polish. It reflects a broader shift in fashion: less perfection, more authenticity. After years of ultra-glossy beauty trends, Khaite’s Spring 2026 show felt refreshingly human.
“Khaite is all about celebrating women, but there’s a real fluidity to them, which is beautiful,” Kendal explained. That sense of individuality came through on the runway, where no two models looked the same.
This beauty direction encourages experimentation without intimidation. Anyone can incorporate bobby pins, skip heavy styling, and embrace a little imperfection—and that’s exactly the point.