Sunday, May 19, 2013

The Timeless Turban

According to Wikipedia, a Turban is, quote verbatum "also known as bulle or dastar in some cultures, is a kind of headwear based on cloth winding. Featuring many variations, it is worn as customary headwear, usually by men. Communities with prominent turban-wearing traditions can be found in South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Near East, the Arabian Peninsula, North Africa, the Horn of Africa, and parts of the Swahili Coast. Turbans worn in Pakistan and India are known as Pagri.
Wearing turbans is common among Sikhs. In certain other faith communities, the headgear also serves as a religious observance, including among Muslims, who regard it as Sunnah Mu'akkadah (Confirmed Tradition).
Additionally, turbans have often been worn by nobility. They are also sometimes donned to protect hair or as a headwrap for women following cancer treatments."



From religious, cultural and traditional "turbanic" decent that once, and still represents faith, struggle and strife, too its present day's fashion statement, its imperative that we understand the roots of our wardrobe.

Its interesting to note that once we understand what we wear, we show a little more appreciation for it. Alot of what we see on the runway, if not all, has been inspired by WAYS OF LIFE or real experiences. For instance, Karl Lagerfeld, in 2012 was inspired by the Indian heritage. Based on their tradition and culture, he created an absolutely astounding Metiers d'Art collection.

As usual, I'm digressing from my initial topic, turbans. You should know that I am in awe of this Chanel Collection. Its speaks to me. I'm not a Chanel fan, but personally speaking and off topic, this was one beautiful collection.


Right, so back on point, where were we? Yes, turbans. It must have been about 3 years ago when I really started taking an interest in covering my hair. NEVER before was it even a seed for thought in my head.
However, being one of my style and musical icons, I always admired Erykah Badu and how amazingly awesome she was at wrapping that scarve around her head. Creating the most epic turban I'd ever seen.

So I attempted it. So I liked it. So I kept doing it.

It didnt only result in becoming an addiction, but I started feeling comfortable with the idea of covering my hair. What might have seemed like a religious burden before, slowly became part of who I was.
All of a sudden I began researching why its compulsory for a Muslim woman to wear Hijab or covering? I googled fashion turbans, style icons who wore turbans etc.
Even at this point, I fell inlove with my new findings and appreciated the wisdom that Islam teaches about the body covering.

Lets revert back to the addiction that I mentioned previously. The turban addiction, that is.

Last year I went google crazy. Searching various stylists, bloggers and fashionistas that draped the turban. From Greta Garbo and Elizabeth Taylor to new discoveries like Catherine Baba, Yuna Zarai and Hana Tajima Simpson.

After being so inspired by all of these iconic women, it compelled me to make enquiries about who and where I could find someone who designed turbans. 
Thanks to social media, facebook led me to a sassy diva named, Tara-Lee Delport. Her brand? CL which is short for Cherrie-Lee.

Tara has definately proven her talents by creating these beautiful pieces of work. On point with trends and the go to girl for any high end fashion requirement you may have, she is hardworking and driven and understands her clients needs.

Last year, I purchased the same style turban, in three different colours. (I only have photographs of the two)

Styling my Red Turban on Eid 2012. Photograph by The Archive
Jade Lin and me doing make-overs at QueensPark for the Aura Makeup Brand
News: Due to popular demand for CL, and in aim of marketing her new winter range; The Archive, CL and Xana Do Blog have collobarorated, to shoot an online catalogue.

For more information on Tara-Lee and her brand / products, please visit her page:


Have a chilled Sunday and a smashing week further

#MuchLove

1 comment:

  1. Brilliant post! After reading this and seeing how chic , elegant and timeless a turban looks,I'm so inspired to try it out! LOVE!!

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