long live the headscarf!

The headscarf has had a renaissance in style circles recently. Not that the Queen is influenced by such fickle things as fashion.  Images of our monarch abound with a scarf tied primly under her chin whilst in the countryside, at the races or out riding.  In fact the pro hat brigade tried to whip up a storm about her riding in a scarf just recently. Off with their heads I say!

Despite the attempts of many a stylist to bring back this look, they have failed. Let's face it, it isn't an easy one to pull off.  Luckily there are many more ways to wear a headscarf which don't make you look like someone's granny, even if it is a right royal one.

Caroline Casiraghi at the Gucci Masters

Last year was the first time I truly coveted a designer silk headscarf. I was at the the Gucci Masters, in Paris, chatting to someone from their press office who had Gucci's latest equestrian inspired design slung effortlessly, in a renegade punk style (knot at the back), round his neck.  Then as I watched the Style And Competition Challenge, out strode Caroline Casiraghi and her team mate Edwina Alexander looking very chic in outfits designed by Gucci's Gina Giannini, their red green and gold scarves adding a dandyish flair.

Hermes 'J'aime Mon Carre'

Another company with equestrianism at it's designer roots is Hermes. And last year they started a campaign to give their iconic scarves a youthful kick up the derriere. Called J'aime Mon Carre it encouraged cool young fashionistas to come up with new ways to wear one of their silk squares that were more street style, than county set. They re-start in July, so watch out.





So whether you tie yours round your neck, your head or your waist, onto your bag or the dog get hold of an equestrian themed silk headscarf now. Really, it has to be Hermes or Gucci.

And yes I know they're pretty damned pricey but you can bag a bargain secondhand if you're willing to search shops or ebay.  I mean, I managed to get myself  a Burberry mac at an amazing price didn't I? And if that's still too much effort then Joules official Badminton silk scarf is worth a look.

For more tips on how to tie scarves check out videos by MrsScarfTips. Here she is showing us how to tie a Hermes Bandeau Fleur-love it!




Oh, and take note-size does matter!