Make every single day a ‘Completely satisfied Headband’ day — That’s Not My Age

Simone Rocha hairband at Net-A-Porter

Top-of-the-line issues about getting older is you may put on what you want, how you want, once you like. You possibly can put on stuff you’ve by no means worn earlier than, experiment with sudden combos, break some guidelines and invent you personal.

A couple of weeks in the past, I began carrying one thing I by no means have earlier than, a hairband with a giant spotty bow on the aspect picked up in a thrift retailer for a number of quid. Does it swimsuit me? I believe so. I’ve not had anybody level, snigger or chortle out loud. Nobody’s accused me of wanting like Bubbles Rothermere or Bette Davies in Whatever Happened to Baby Jane. It was like my private ‘purple hat’ epiphany. Nicely, why not?

I’m constructing as much as carrying my Frida Kahlo flowered headband this summer season, one thing I picked up within the V&A present store throughout the Frida Kahlo; Making Herself Up exhibition, in 2018. She used to love carrying flowers in her hair: dahlias, bougainvillea and gardenias to accent her Tehuana coiffure and gown and, honour her Mexican heritage. For the final 5 years, that scarlet petalled headband has lain within the drawer ready for its popping out parade. There was by no means the correct second or event. I used to be by no means in the correct temper. However that second could also be now.

Frida Kahlo Making Herself Up official exhibition e book from the V&A

Ornamental hair bands are again on the model agenda. At the latest Met Gala in New York, numerous celebrities had been noticed carrying them notably Serena Williams rocking a multi-strand pearl headband. They’re a well-liked accent with the Hollywood set: Juliette Lewis, Kiera Knightly and Kirsten Dunst, to call a number of.

Once I say headbands, I’m not speaking in regards to the dreary, limp varieties so beloved of Sloanes within the Eighties. At this time, the ornamental hair equipment standard on websites like Etsy provide pizazz and character. They embody ornate knots or Halo Crowns that from the entrance resemble turbans (à la Joan Collins) to bedazzled and bejewelled ones; headbands constituted of classic kimono materials and twirls of ribbons or tulle caught mid-ripple.

There’s one thing particularly in regards to the ageing girl and  ‘head dressing’ that works a deal with. Miriam Margolyes, 82 regarded lovely on the quilt of this month’s British Vogue carrying a forties-inspired Sinamay headband. An older head has the boldness to hold off some severe assertion dressing as demonstrated so elegantly by ‘ our naughtiest nationwide treasure’.

Whereas ladies of all ages are solely too pleased to don a fascinator and flirt with a feather for a household marriage ceremony, our heads are often forgotten on on a regular basis responsibility. Maybe, with its more and more wrinkly pores and skin, greying or thinning hair, the top and face are essentially the most seen reminder we’re ageing, one thing many would like to overlook?

However that is precisely why it really works so properly. An announcement headband (or head dressing of any type) frames and spotlights the knowledge, life and character that make up an older face. Headbands are an adjunct that may carry color, sample and ornamentation to the face, enriching the collagen-diminished complexion. Placing considered one of these on is a refusal to turn into invisible, like an indication that claims ‘I’m nonetheless right here and going sturdy’.

I can consider many fashionable and legendary ladies who’ve understood the significance of dressing their heads, of their autumn years: Edith Sitwell, Billy Vacation, Simone de Beauvoir, Coco Chanel, Carmen Miranda. An older girl can stand proud and maintain her head held excessive: she has the expertise, authority and confidence to tug off some cool and regal head dressing. Why save this intelligent model trick for particular events? It’s a easy solution to make every single day of fine well being and gratitude, considered one of celebration.

Headband by Silk & Lawn

Nilgin Yusuf is a contract author and common TNMA contributor.

Make every single day a ‘ pleased headband’ day:

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