The Red Turban In Historical Fashion

By Mara Boone


Turbans have long been a staple in fashion history. Although these head wraps have been worn since the 14th century, their versatility, religious symbolism, and practicality have made them a favorite for the style savvy in nearly every generation. The red turban in particular is known to be especially eye catching and glamorous in Western culture.

It's important to note that turbans aren't always simply a fashion statement. Wraps have been worn as a state of religious adornment both currently and historically in many parts of the world. In areas such as the Middle East, Central and South Asia, the Philippines and Africa, wraps are worn to signify both religious and tribal affiliation. The color of one's turban can be meaningful; green wraps on Muslim men symbolize the religious representation of paradise. White is considered a holy color, and the prophet Mohammed is believed to have worn a white wrap for this reason. In North Africa, differing shades of blue turbans can symbolize the tribe one belongs to.

Turbans are worn primarily as fashion accessories by women in modern, Western society. In addition to being attractive and fashionable, a head wrap can be handy for keeping a woman's hair up and out of her face. The 17th century painting "Girl With a Pearl Earring" by Jan Vermeer is one the earliest known showcases of turbans as a fashion statement for women. Wraps lost some of their popularity in the 19th century, but became fashionable again in the 20th century due to their popularity with socialites and starlets.

In the 1930's and 1940's, the turban signified a cultured and dignified woman. The films "Lady of the Tropics" (1939) and "The Postman Always Rings Twice" featured protagonists who dominated the screen in wraps. The white head wrap in the latter film symbolized the contrast between the apparent purity of the wrap and the villainous nature of the character.

By the 1970's, women weren't wearing wraps to hide their hair anymore. It became stylish to wear one's hair long and straight, with the wrap perched attractively on top. From the 70's to present, turbans have shown up on a variety of fashion runways, and have been worn every way imaginable.

Even British Royalty has jumped on the turban bandwagon. For some occasions, the versatility of the wrap allows it to be worn instead of the traditional hat or crown standard for women of the Royal Family. The appeal of wraps seems to be nearly universal.

No longer limited to simple pieces of cloth wrapped around the head, modern turbans may be braided, beaded or bedazzled. Fabrics can be anything from slinky satin to metallic lame to cute and cozy knits. Women's hair can be hidden, on display, or even worked into the wrap in various ways. The possibilities are nearly endless.

Many in Western culture associate the color red with strength, power and passion. Red is commonly believed to be a "power" color. A red turban, whether plain or dazzling, is a great way to convey strong, assertive beauty while still giving a nod to simplicity and tradition.




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