The adventurous French designer Paul Poirot introduced Oriental styles such as harem pants and turbans to a captivated western audience at the turn of the last century. As a result screen sirens of the 1920s such as Greta Garbo and Louise Brooks donned turbans to give their look mystery and exoticism.
The turban grew in popularity during the second world war as a safety device, to keep women’s hair out of factory machinery and also to disguise unwashed hair; as soap rationing meant that women couldn’t wash it as frequently as they would have liked. These days, the elusive turban is no longer a mere practicality. They are a perfect example of how reworking the past can have a fun and imaginative effect.
In recent years the turban has enjoyed many fashion moments, starting on the catwalks of Prada in 2007. Two years later Kate Moss was photographed at the Met Costume Gala wearing a metallic turban designed by milliner Stephen Jones. This year Sarah Jessica Parker is sporting a turban by Gold Saturn in the Sex and the City sequel which she pairs with a loose fitting jersey dress.
For those of us who aren’t old Hollywood stars, the turban may seem a little daunting. It does require a certain amount of confidence because you will stand out, but for all the right reasons. You can achieve the same striking effect with a silk scarf , or for the slightly less daring; a turband (a combination of a headband and turban).
The turban’s neat wearability means it is not confined to any one season. They’ve appeared on the Autumn/Winter catwalks of Charlotte Ronson, Temperley and Jean Paul Gaultier. They can be worn casually during the day and can contribute surprising elegance to a t-shirt and skinny jean ensemble. Or you can showcase a bold turban by pairing it with a neutral outfit. By teaming the turban with a tight black silhouette, and a violet or scarlet lip, you can achieve a couture look which will make jaws drop at its simplicity. Failing all of the above they’re a very glamorous way of covering up a bad hair day.
By Katie Prior
Katie is co-owner of Shotsy Vintage. Shotsy stock a wide range of gents and ladies clothing dating from mid-century to the early 90s including Turbans.
