A Run on Ponytails

Ponytails have always been thought of as casual, but now they’re dressing up and going out. And why not? This simple off-the-face style adds a youthful freshness to all kinds of party clothes. Its easy charm makes obviously styled hair for evening look positively stuffy.

Ponytails are on fashion runways. At the California Mart’s press preview of spring ’87 fashions last month, long-haired models in the evening-wear collections tied their hair back with sleek, black ribbons. Anne Klein designer Louis Dell’Olio, who recently appeared for a holiday/resort fashion show at Saks Fifth Avenue, used long, synthetic hairpieces to put even his short-haired models into ponytails.

And they’re at the stores: The Broadway’s hair-accessory counter is filled with black-and-gold lace ribbons and bows. A Bullock’s spokeswoman reports that these items are so popular the store can’t keep them in stock. And at Papillons Hair Design in Studio City, you can buy a custom-blended fake ponytail for $75 to $100. (Ready-to-wear ones go for about $35.)

“There are so many gels and slickers and pomades out now,” says Papillons co-owner Jimmy Encao. “Ponytails go along with hair being closer to the head for the holidays. Also, that black satin hair ribbon is part of the whole revival of the Chanel look.” Papillons carries a variety of velvet, Lurex and satin hair bows for $10 and up.