A heady' feeling

Singer Alicia Keys has been making heads turn with her appearance in The Voice; not only because she’s going makeup free — but also due to the stunning, vibrant headwraps she’s been donning. These wraps are the latest trend on social media, as well as ramps and wardrobes of fashionistas.

The popular accessory with roots in African culture, is now the talk of the town! Lupita Nyongo, Beyonce and other women of African descent have also been spotted sporting it. Now, these decorative head gears have made an entry into India’s fashion world as well...

Chennai model Aishvarya Khumar, who has donned a headwrap for one her ramp walks recently, says, “As fashion evolves, so do trends, and it’s great to see headwraps and turbans  becoming such a rage. Women now like to wear global fashion. It might just become the next big thing.”

Although she believes it isn’t her personal style, the model adds that she’d love to make a statement with one during her musical performances.

Bengaluru-based fashion blogger Toshada Uma says, “I started wearing headwraps when I was 13, initially to cover up alopecia patches I had. But then, I discovered that I could experiment with them to match with my outfits. I think they look quite chic and majestic. They are now a fashion staple in my everyday styling. My favourite is a bun wrap,” she explains.

Another fashion blogger, Dolly Singh, says that afro punk culture and hijab styles led her to experiment with them — and that she’d be sporting the style on her blog soon. She states, “Headwraps are a great way to give a twist to any basic outfit. They look like a lot of work, but once you get the hang of it, it’s easy. The twisted top style, which is very similar to the pagh Sikhs wear, is my favourite.”

Robertson Lyngdoh, a stylist and fashion blogger from Shillong, recently helped create headwrap looks for a photoshoot. In the process, the stylist did not forget the history of the South African headwraps he was emulating — an important aspect, which if ignored, could be appropriation of a culture. “I’ve always been fascinated by South African headwraps. It’s important to know that they are not just fashionable but have a history of slavery. Harry Styles and his headwraps inspired me to use them in photoshoots.”

He also advises, “Keep in mind that colour schemes and quality of fabric play an important role.” For Chennai-based stylist, Sara VK, headwraps are convenient for people on-the-go. She says, “It makes life easier when you have wild. unruly hair and saves a lot of time. While trying to make your hair behave, you end up using styling products that damage the hair, but headwraps help avoid that, and protect hair from pollution!” She concludes by saying, “One can style it in any way, but remember to carry it with élan and attitude.”