Here's some exciting news for Jennifer Behr enthusiasts: The accessories expert has partnered with celebrity hairstylist Nai'vasha on a limited-edition collection that's made with opulence and female empowerment in mind. Though the new line marks the duo's first official public release, Behr and Nai'vasha have a history of collaborating, starting in 2020 when the artists teamed up on a range of embellished hair looks for singer Alicia Keys.
"Right before the start of the pandemic, Nai'vasha and I collaborated on a gorgeous assortment of custom styles Alicia Keys wore while hosting the 2020 Grammys. We have talked about designing a full collection together ever since," Behr tells BAZAAR.com. "Launching now during International Women's Month is perfect, as it was initially inspired by the beauty and strength of women, and it is a collaboration created by two independent female founders."
Shop Accessories from the Jennifer Behr x Nai'vasha Collection
Jennifer Behr x Nai'vasha Melora Bobby Pin Chain
The 11-piece hair collection includes a sculptural cage mask, headbands, bobby pins, and combs inspired by Behr and Nai'vasha's past collaborative work, along with the idea of using beauty as a vehicle for inner strength. Each accessory pays homage to Grecian and medieval mythology, primarily their goddesses and female warriors, for a line that equally yokes modernity and history.
"At the start of the design process, Nai'vasha and I had a discussion about the power of female beauty. That conversation was a main inspiration and something we subtly articulated through the collection's striking textures and materials. We were inspired by rich golds of medieval armor, as well as depictions of goddesses and warriors on ancient Greek jewelry," Behr says. "I was in Greece last summer and spent a bunch of time at the Benaki Museum studying their jewelry collection, which was so inspirational. We wanted the pieces to feel like they were being pulled out of a buried treasure chest."
The accessories' abstract gold metal flowers, crystals, and toughened yet delicate brass chains also serve as a nod to Nai'vasha's Memphis roots, coupled with the energy and freedom she feels while in New York. "The fall and spring are such magical times where I'm from," the star stylist explains. "The colors are rich and vibrant, and the leaves cradle the surface in the most dreamy way. New York exudes this tough freedom that I've never experienced or seen in all of my travels. The archival gold adds that touch of sophistication that both places have."
The gilded Calypso and Sade headbands from the collection in particular illustrate a literal melding of the artists' visions, featuring intricate woven patterns inspired by Nai'vasha's advanced braiding techniques.
"I see all of our collections as part of the same story, and there's a continuity as each season evolves. We consistently use the most luxurious and rich materials over time while still drawing inspiration from new sources—in this instance, Nai'vasha's incredible hair artistry," Behr says. "This collection was especially magical as it is our very first codesigned collection. It was brilliant working with such a talented hairstylist who had a vision of how to use the pieces from the beginning."
For elevated hairstyles on special occasions or just because, Behr and Nai'vasha suggest that the sky is the limit when it comes to layering these one-of-a-kind pieces. "That's the fun and art of it all," Nai'vasha says. "You can style the pieces as minimally or as opulently as you'd like. One way is by taking several styles and closely placing them with no spacing. So cool!"
Behr agrees, adding a recommendation to incorporate their Melora Bobby Pin Chain into a low braid, then scatter their Abena Bobby Pins throughout the back of the head, or down the plait. She also suggests sweeping one side of the hair off the face, delicately pinning it into place with the collection's Lissa Bobby Pins with the Nia Bobby Pin Chain trailing underneath to highlight their same crystal center. Lastly, she offers another way to wear their Calypso Headband: while the hair is pulled back, with a single Melora Bobby Pin Chain (or several!) woven into a high ponytail or updo for ultimate shine.
"Everything we designed can be both decorative and wearable! I've been designing hair accessories for over 20 years now and am always confident that our pieces are not only intricately beautiful, but also comfortable and versatile," Behr says. "From the beginning, Nai'vasha and I knew we wanted to make pieces that could be layered and stacked. We are so excited to see the many different ways that people wear these designs."
The Jennifer Behr x Nai'vasha Collection is available exclusively online at jenniferbehr.com.
Tiffany Dodson is currently the associate beauty commerce editor at Harper’s Bazaar, where she specializes in trend forecasting, building relationships with major and emerging brands, and crafting shopping stories—from holiday gift guides to product road tests. Tiffany's work has previously been featured in outlets like SELF, Bustle, and Teen Vogue, and she's been quoted as a commerce and beauty expert in publications and platforms like The Business of Fashion and NPR’s Life Kit podcast.
