The barrette is back in a big way, judging from the flurry of barrette-bearing models working the Spring 2011 runways for Prabal Gurung, Badgley Mischka ,Cynthia Rowley, Carolina Herrera and Rodarte.

Erin Flaherty, in an article for the Wall Street Journal, says" the fashion backward barrette has become the unexpected toast of the beauty season. The look popped up at Prabal Gurung (glossed-over pony tails were clipped mid-mane); Cynthia Rowley (big metallic versions made modern chignons) and Carolina Herrera, where tress guru Orlando Pita created fanciful clips out of human hair."

Aveda stylist Odile Gilbert the "little girlish" quality of the barrette " but in the hands of Rodarte, the barrette is "more like jewelry, a piece of art that you can wear-it's more sophisticated." In fact, the barrette is light-hearted and youthful and can be used to softly pin back the longer side of long hair or to compliment a dress or jacket. A sophisticated barrette could be a beautiful accent in any woman's hair and is a great way to pin up a soft chignon.

What we hope everyone will avoid is using barrettes to either pin up bangs or to evoke a too-youthful appearance, such as the Hello Kitty look.

Raul©2011