By Mara Boone


Simple head wraps, or turbans, have been around for many centuries all over the world. Dating back to at least the 14th century, their religious symbolism, practicality and appeal have made them a fashion staple with universal popularity. The red turban is known to be a powerful and assertive style of turban, particularly when worn on modern day women.

Wraps aren't always considered a woman's fashion. Throughout much of history and in many parts of the modern world, turbans are worn mainly by men. The main reason they are worn is religious adornment or tribal affiliation. They are most popular in regions such as the Philippines, Central and South Asia, the Middle East and parts of Africa. The color of the wrap can be just as symbolic as the wrap itself. Green turbans are symbolic of paradise to Muslin men in some areas. The prophet Mohammed wore a white wrap because white is believed to be the holiest color.

In modern, Western society, turbans are worn mainly by women. They are worn both as a bold fashion statement, and as a way to keep a woman's hair up, tidy and out of her face. The earliest documentation of a head wrap worn as a fashion statement is in a famous 17th century painting by Jan Vermeer entitled "Girl With a Pearl Earring". The popularity of turbans waned a bit in the 19th century, but came back with a vengeance in the 20th century when Eastern inspired head wear was worn by female movie stars and socialites.

By the 1930's, turbans had become associated with the well-traveled, dignified woman. Two popular films of the that era, "Lady of the Tropics" (1939) and "The Postman Always Rings Twice" (1946), showcased female main characters wearing head wraps. Lana Turner's famously diabolical character in the latter film contrasted greatly with the soft, white purity of her turban.

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.

A testament to the universal appeal of wraps can be seen on the heads of British Royalty, who occasionally swap their notorious elaborate for a simple yet colorful turban. Queen Elizabeth was photographed wearing one such turban in place of her crown on tour in the mid-90's. Head wraps are uniquely versatile in that they can be glamorous enough for a movie star yet modest and appropriate enough for a Queen.

The wrap has come along way from it's 14th century roots as a simple piece of cloth wrapped around the head. Modern turbans can be made of nearly any fabric, from silk to satin to cotton to knit. They can be bejeweled, beaded, braided, or otherwise decorated. There are styles to suit nearly any occasion, and the possibilities are limitless.

The color red signifies power, passion and fire in Western culture. Red is most often described as a power color. A red turban on a modern woman asserts strength, beauty and passion with a touch of simplicity and tradition.




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