Fashion Moment [Headscarves]

Headscarves are an always loved but often neglected garment. To some they represent an image of the working class, practical, post war woman. To others they capture mystery and romance. To the individual, the versatility of the headscarf is its most appealing quality, the only garment designed to let you decide how to wear it.
Seventy years ago the Hermes scarf was born. Today there are over 900 designs that have become some of the most collectible fashion items in existence. Worn by Grace Kelly to Madonna, the Hermes scarf has been loved by many, regardless of age or personal style and remains the most archetypal of headscarves.
It was during the 1940’s, when show business began to capitalise on the scarf trend, creating souvenir scarves used to advertise Broadway hits. This was followed by Hollywood in the 1950’s that really introduced the headscarf into mainstream fashion. Audrey Hepburn was seen in a plethora of headscarves, Edith Head donned a straw hat over hers and Jean Shrimpton appeared on the cover of Vogue in 1963 adorned a scarf hat. Today, Viktor and Rolf capture a feminine mood by using a pink scarf in their sensual campaign for their fragrance, Flowerbomb.
The 1960’s saw psychedelic patterns by Pucci and Peter Max, making way for the headscarf to become a bohemian accessory. Early versions of rich hippies, allowed the headscarf to be worn in original ways, suggesting a secret wild side. The headscarf will always continue to express individual style. From Axl Rose, creating a metal rock look to Thelma and Louise epitomising glamour by teaming headscarves with oversized sunglasses.
The rise of vintage and personal styling today has seen a big return of headscarves as a modern accessory. D&G’s 2008 collection paid homage to the quintessential English woman. Merging headscarves with tartan, tweed and argyle created a very nostalgic look, similar to the work of Yohji Yamamoto, Vera Wang, Chloe, Jean Paul Gaultier and Antoni and Alison.
Whether its tied as a bandeaux, flapper style, a bow tied turban, or the pony tail wrap, headscarves are an accessible way to consume high fashion, symbolising just about anything and that’s where their allure lies.