The headband, once just a practical tool to keep hair away from the face or eyes, is enjoying a major fashion moment.
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| White headband scarf, $260, from Louis Vuitton |
White medium bow head band, $310, from Miu Miu |
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| Lace corsage headband, $19, from Diva |
Animal headband, $19, from Diva |
Models were sent down the spring/summer 2010 runways in statement-making hairbands festooned with bows, feathers or masks.
Marc by Marc Jacobs and quirky British label Luella, for instance, topped off their models' outfits with big bow headbands in bright, jewel tones.
Retailers have been quick to turn these head-turners into hot sellers.
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| Oversized Harem Bow Alice band, $16.90, from Monsoon Accessorize |
Feather Alice band, $33.90, from Monsoon Accessorize |
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| Betty Bow Alice band, $27.90, from Monsoon Accessorize |
Spiky corsage Alice band, $10.90, from Monsoon Accessorize |
Jasmine Choo, assistant brand manager of Monsoon Accessorize, says the British chain has doubled its orders for hair accessories and will be introducing 'more statement-making bejewelled headbands adorned with jewel-toned feathers, bows and sequins'.
Although the classic Alice bands are still in demand, she says more shoppers are now taking their cue from celebrities such as Paris Hilton and going for dramatic headbands.
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| Three-flower band, $180, from Kimrobinson Studio Singapore |
Purple oversized bow, $196, from Kimronbinson Studio Singapore |
Feather Alice band, $119, from Kimrobinson Studio Singapore |
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| Crystal flower Alice band, $218, from Kimrobinson Studio Singapore |
Multi-coloured stone band, $260, from Kimrobinson Studio Singapore |
Silver crystal embellished band, $196, from Kimrobinson Studio Singapore |
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| Animal print suede band, $168, from Kimrobinson Studio Singapore |
Hair salons such as Kimrobinson Studio Singapore have also seen a spike in sales for their hair accessories, especially headbands.
They say younger customers favour more elaborate headbands that are adorned with bows, feathers or crystals.
Chantel Lee, Kimrobinson's operations manager, says the salon has seen a 30 per cent jump in the sales of hairbands since last September.
The salon carries more than 150 hair accessories - mostly headbands and clips - up from 60 in 2008.
These include pieces designed by the salon's creative director, Kim Robinson, as well as accessories from two New York labels, Joomi and Natasha.
'Wearing dramatic, embellished headbands allows one to make a strong fashion statement,' says Lee.
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Head Turning Tips
- Headbands work well with any hair length. The most important thing to note when choosing a headband is the size of the piece vis-a-vis the size of your head.
If your head is smaller, pick a less dramatic headband so it will not overwhelm you.
Headbands are supposed to frame your face and get you noticed and not meant to be a substitute for your face.
- Ensure that the size and width of your headband are proportionate to your head shape, hair length and hair hue.
Those with long and voluminous hair can opt for wider bands to hold their hair in place for easier styling.
Headbands that are between 2.5cm and 5cm wide are perfect for shorter hair as they will not overwhelm the short style.
- To jazz up a simple outfit, choose a headband that is in bold and bright colours such as pink and jewel-toned blue, yellow or green. This adds an instant touch of glamour.
- The more dramatic and embellished your headband, the simpler your outfit should be. You don't want to be mistaken for a circus act.
- Dramatic headbands are not work-appropriate. Instead, go for bands with subtle details such as small bows and in darker shades. A simple headband in a single bright colour is also acceptable.
- To avoid looking messy and unkempt, a clean and sleek hairdo works best with feathered headbands or those that are bejewelled.
Take inspiration from the spring/summer 2010 runways and up your chic quotient with a loose chignon paired with a big bow headband.
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rohai@sph.com.sg
This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times.
