The Urban Turban

Originality is a rare find in fashion these days as the contemporary catwalks are rife with nostalgia for the past, we’ve witnessed the late noughties perpetually looking back to resurrect trends that graced the early twentieth century.   Vintage is a booming business and the charity shops are stuffed full of hipsters claiming their faux fur jackets, polka dot shirts and broderie anglaise items for half nothing.

The latest trend to realign the old with the new is the turban.  Pretty much ‘out there’, and seemingly sacrilegious I assure you the turban prancing down catwalks alludes to no religion, bar her Majesty, Anna Wintour, and its influences derive from Orientalism, not the Rastafarian, Indian, Pashtun and Mayan coverings which spring to mind on hearing the word ‘turban.’

Today we shall look at the turban from an artistic perspective, and appreciate the beauty of the original head gear that made it so popular in the 1920’s, and has now found its place on the shelves of American Apparel, Topshop and vintage stores across Dublin and the Western world.

Prada sent its girls down the runway in an array of silk turbans circa 2007, fuelling the trend which has, understandably, been slowly finding itself in the highstreet (the everyday buyer might question looking as though they’ve just walked out of the shower.) But, a daring few in the limelight have been papped in their turbans of choice, none other than Beyonce, Pixie Geldof, and the skinnier, blonder half of Mary Kate or Ashley (forgive me, they look pretty much the same..) Prada took its inspirations from the 20’s screen sirens like Greta Garbo and Loretta Young, who wore their silk turbans adorned with pearls and flowers whilst lounging around in black and white. But for contemporary fashion points, a more interesting spin would be to take on the Oriental exoticism that inspired the post-flapper trends of the twenties. So, to wear yourself- take inspiration from the masters, namely Vermeer and his Girl with a Pearl Earring. Buying a readymade turban could be daunting but will look great, and are easy to wear (literally, like putting on a hat- simples.) Firstly, tie your hair up in a bun and find yourself a readymade turban from Harlequin or the mini turbans from American Apparel and Topshop, team with minimal makeup and clothing (the turban is a statement in itself) and , of course, a pair of pearl earrings. Or, Option B, for the faint of heart: try out a mini turban. Take a silk scarf- (go for a really bold statement with a paisley style print) and wrap around itself, place on head like a hairband and clip under with bobby pins. Or, as above, go for the readymade versions. Tips to remember when wearing a turban- ignore funny looks. They don’t get style. Equally, play down your outfit, even though it may be tempting to match your turban to your shoes and so forth, avoid the dramasoc rehearsal look and tone down colours and patterns.

Howevs, you could try out a boudoir turban, complete with harem pants, turkish delights and a strategically placed hookah pipe.  Thoroughly reccomended.

Note: this look is perfect for hangover/too many essays/just too lazy days when your hair isn’t in the best shape, the turban hides all- so not only will you look on trend, you save yourself from looking in need of a good wash. Result.