Join the bandwagon and wear your headband

MANILA, Philippines - Contrary to common belief, before couture came into being, hair accessories were already, so to speak, in fashion. Long, long ago, when the inhabitants of earth lived in caves, bones and teeth were used as accessories for the neck, hands and hair. From the very moment some genius thought of putting some material on the head, hair accessories were born.

Many believe that the headband has evolved from olden-day wreaths worn by Olympians during the Greek period. How very chic of Julius Caesar, no? Both Greeks and Romans wore wreaths for special events such as weddings and sport. As history progressed and people discovered precious metals and stones, these materials too began appearing in people’s hair.

Eventually, the wreath was used in processions by holy men and in nuptials worn by brides. While the use of precious stones and laurels became quite popular in wreaths, the ornament slowly evolved into its use as a scarf and, eventually, the headband.

This item has been in and out of fashion for several seasons. Back in the 1960s, scarves were used as headbands — tied around the front of the head to achieve a kind of “Esmeralda the gypsy” look. As recently as four years ago, even elastic bra straps were used as hair bands. A few seasons later, Prada came out with its more stylized turbans. Last season, the look reappeared with huge preppy bows in checkered patterns. With all these different takes on the ever-useful headband, it seems the look has returned with a vengeance. This time, though, it rests not on top of the head, but rather across the forehead.

Embellished headbands strewn across the forehead may be reminiscent of “Make love, not war” hippie fashion. The past season, however, has shown us that the style can be reinvented into something very modern.

When Karl Lagerfeld of Chanel had Lindsay Lohan display this fashion trend, he proved the headband look can be easily transformed from a bohemian casual day look to a more glamorous night outfit.

Check out the Olsen twins’ look and be inspired to create your own take on the headband. Go to your nearest craft store and buy whatever shows off your true style for a reasonable price. Opt for lace for a more romantic look, or go with leather in different colors for a more rugged look. If “girly girl” is more you, then ribbons might do the trick. The ‘20s Flapper look can also be achieved by simply adding feathers at the tip. Otherwise, braided and refined abaca can be a great look for a more ethnic take.

Be sure to measure your head first to decide on the length you want. You can even go for an edgier look by selecting a double-, even triple-strap band.

So many styles can be used for the headband. Whether you are prim and proper — like Blair in the hit TV series Gossip Girl with her gigantic bowed headband — or bohemian chic like the Olsen twins, one thing’s for sure, the headband has definitely come and is likely here to stay.

Will you join the bandwagon and wear your headband? It’s a great way to stay fashionably ahead of the pack.

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E-mail author at azzuri_beach@yahoomail.com.