Sanctioned x Ursula Stephen: A Night of Transformation & the Rise of Hard Hair Accessories
The Salon by Ursula Stephens hosted an exclusive gathering of tastemakers, industry insiders, and beauty enthusiasts converged in Brooklyn for an unforgettable evening of style, transformation, and luxury. This soiree was more than just an event—it was an initiation into a new era of beauty. Attendees were able to sip, shop, and experience a curated selection of hair accessories handpicked by celebrity stylist Ursula Stephen herself to be retailed in her namesake salon. Tastemakers from a multitude of industries were also able to preview unreleased items from the Sanctioned upcoming collection. As hair accessories continue to trend, it was clear that hard hair accessories and statement headbands were a crowd favorite.
A Celebration of Rebirth & Luxury
Guests were welcomed into an intimate setting where fashion, beauty, selfcare and art merged seamlessly. We displayed a beautiful selection of statement-making hair clips to sculptural combs, each accessory exuded an aura of power and sophistication, reinforcing the idea that hair accessories are no longer mere afterthoughts—they are definitive style statements.
But the event wasn’t just about aesthetics—it carried a deeper purpose. As an emerging designer, the night focused on talent, creativity, and networking in the pursuit of excellence and collaboration. This year, Sanctioned is focused on collaboration more than ever. This night at The Salon by Ursula Stephens was no different with a portion of proceeds from all Sanctioned sales helping to support the HQ Tennis Foundation, which uplifts young athletes in their pursuit of excellence. The fusion of luxury and philanthropy stands at the heart of Sanctioned's ethos and fuels my passion for sharing this brand with others.
The Resurgence of Hard Hair Accessories
While soft, minimalist hair trends have had their moment, 2025 is all about bold, structural hair accessories. The resurgence of these statement pieces speaks to a larger movement in fashion: the return of power dressing with a focus on strength, confidence, and individuality.
Here are some of the standout trends in hard hair accessories that dominated the soiree and had guest buzzing about the trend poised to take over the rest of the year:
1. Sculptural Hair Clips & Barrettes
Oversized and architectural, these aren’t your childhood barrettes. Think bold metallic finishes, intricate embellishments, and geometric designs that elevate even the simplest hairstyle. Ursula Stephen’s curated selection featured a Sanctioned vintage style silver clip duo that effortlessly transformed everyday hair into high-fashion statements.
2. Jaw Clips Reinvented
Gone are the days of basic claw clips—2025’s versions are all about modern silhouettes, unexpected materials, and elevated details. Whether adorned with pearls, sleek chrome finishes, or artistic cutouts, jaw clips are now statement pieces in their own right.
3. Statement Headbands
A true power accessory, structured headbands are back in a big way. From padded velvet pieces to intricate hardware-encrusted designs, headbands are proving to be the easiest way to add instant glamour. Ursula’s edit feature both bold and petite statement pieces that add the drama that the fashion girlies look for.
4. Embellished Hair Combs
Bridging the gap between vintage elegance and modern edge, decorative hair comb are being embraced by style icons worldwide. Whether tucked into a sleek bun or used to accent loose waves, these accessories add a regal touch to any hairstyle.
Hard Hair Accessories Are the Future
With Sanctioned piece now available at The Salon by Ursula Stephen, this event wasn’t just a celebration—it was a declaration. Hard hair accessories are no longer just functional; they’re essential fashion statements. As more people embrace expressive, bold styling choices, these accessories will continue to dominate runways, red carpets, and everyday fashion.
For those who missed the event, there’s still time to shop Sanctioned x Ursula Stephen’s exclusive edit online, with an option to pick up in-store at The Salon by Ursula Stephen. This is your moment—embrace the transformation and let your hair accessories do the talking.
The view the Ursula Stephen's Edit click here.
The Takeaway
As the Founder of Sanctioned, my dream is to create moments of a perfect world that people can experience. Life is so hard at times, but it's the moments when true connections are formed, whether it is a connection with oneself or someone else, that reveal the true beauty of this worldly experience.
What I absolutely loved most about this event was offering a product that helps to define who we are and how we choose to show up in our daily lives. The Sanctioned pieces that have found a new home at The Salon by Ursula Stephen gives people an opportunity to uncover more of their power and a chance for others to experience them as their authentic selves.
With a room full of tastemakers from venture capital to technology, fashion to government policy advocates, tv producers to healthcare, celebrity photographers to the NBA, it was truly magical to watch how a placing action behind a mere thought can bring people together.
