The Turban – From Functional Wrap to Fabulous Icon
Some hat styles have the most fascinating journeys, beginning as practical or cultural headwear before stepping into the world of fashion. The turban is one of those – rich with history, international influence, and endless flair.
Ancient Roots, Timeless Style
The turban’s origins go back thousands of years, first documented in Mesopotamia long before Christianity. Traditionally, it was men who wore them – and in many cultures, such as Sikhism, turbans (known as dastars) are still deeply important symbols of faith and identity.
A Fashion Favourite
In Europe, turbans became fashionable from the 18th century onwards, thanks to growing trade and fascination with Turkey and India. One of the earliest famous depictions is Vermeer’s painting Girl with a Pearl Earring, with that striking blue wrap framing her face. Later, Marie Antoinette brought turbans into high society, cementing them as a style for the fashionable woman.
During wartime, the turban came into its own again. Women working in factories or keeping households running needed something practical. A turban was easy to wear, used very little fabric, and could be made at home with minimal sewing skills. It was smart, tidy, and stylish — all at once.
From Workwear to Glamour
Of course, milliners couldn’t resist giving the turban a little extra magic. Wrapped from almost any fabric, a turban could be dressed up with trims, brooches, or feathers. In the 1930s and 40s, Hollywood embraced it. Stars like Greta Garbo and Grace Kelly wore them with absolute elegance, while American milliner Lilly Daché transformed the turban into a glamorous accessory adored by film icons including Carmen Miranda and Gloria Swanson.
French milliner Madame Paulette added her own twist, inspired by young Parisian women cycling during the war. She went on to create turbans for Dietrich, Chanel, and Ungaro — quite the roll call of style.
On the Page and the Screen
By the mid-20th century, turbans were everywhere — on the covers of Vogue and in unforgettable film moments. Think Gloria Swanson in Sunset Boulevard or Lana Turner in The Postman Always Rings Twice. Later, Elizabeth Taylor made them part of her signature look, with dazzling, jewel-encrusted versions designed by Tiziani of Rome.
Designers like Biba and Halston kept the turban alive through the 60s and 70s, when it became just as at home at a chic cocktail party as it was on the head of a bohemian free spirit.
The Modern Turban
Fast forward to today, and the turban hasn’t lost an ounce of glamour. Sarah Jessica Parker, Salma Hayek, Jennifer Lopez, and Kate Moss (in a metallic Stephen Jones design at the Met Gala) have all brought the look into the spotlight. Whether worn simply or dripping in sparkle, the turban has remained a symbol of strength, style, and individuality.
Why We Love It
Few accessories can claim such a long and varied history. From ancient tradition to contemporary catwalk, the turban continues to prove itself as both functional and fabulous — a true classic in the world of millinery.
Image credit: Dutch Golden Age painter Johannes Vermeer