From The Straits Times    |
statement headwear fall winter 2018

We won’t lie: The following headpieces you’re about to see aren’t for the faint of heart. We also wouldn’t blame you for recoiling from the eclectic accessory trends of the moment – a handful of these are categorically straight up bizarre. But as we all know, behind every game changing, decade-defining idea stands a good measure of risk. And boy were risks taken this fall/winter 2018.

Let’s start with Richard Quinn’s floral printed headscarves which, instead of swathing a portion of the models’ hair, veiled pretty much their entire faces. Or should we instead begin with Matty Bovan’s grand display of gigantic helium balloons sprouting from the headdresses? Not to forget Gucci’s dazzling crystal headpieces that toed the line between fine jewellery and dress-up-plaything.

While admittedly we just might just be dipping our toes into some of these outlandish trends (see: Chanel’s oversized hood), perhaps some of these should remain as statement pieces for us to gawk at – not wear. If you’re with us, read on and decide for yourself whether these headpieces are a fashion fad, or a fashion fab.

Under wraps
statement headwear fall winter 2018

Photo: Showbit

To breathe or not to breathe, that is the question.

According to the runway, faceless and fabulous is the way to go this fall – and yes, it is hard to wrap our heads around (booyah!). Whether you’re enshrouding your head in chintz wallpaper florals ala Richard Quinn, polka dotted mesh like Erdem or full-on spikes Gareth Pugh-style, face-veiling headpieces are decidedly en vogue. 

P.s. The answer by the way, is to breathe, so don’t forego breathing holes okay?
 

Exaggerated hoods

statement headwear fall winter 2018

Photo: Showbit

No longer just an overlooked fraction of your jacket, the hood is stepping out independently in different materials this fall.

Seen at Chanel as a cowl made of wooly grey knit, sleek and structured at Maison Margiela and glossy patent at Toga this season, oversized and exaggerated hoods are standing loud and proud.

And need we mention its functional appeal? Simply picture an unexpected rain shower, sans umbrella …. that’s right, functional.

Bonnets

statement headwear fall winter 2018

Photo: Showbit

A novelty of the season is the baby bonnet hat, which was seen in quirky plaid prints at Richard Malone and kitschy florals at Preen by Thornton.

Oozing of a childlike innocence and an impish look, the bonnet is surely an intimidating accessory to pull off. Calling all adventurers, meet your sartorial match.

Balaclavas

statement headwear fall winter 2018

Photo: Showbit

Of course, we couldn’t omit the most talked about trend of the F/W ‘18 season: The balaclava.

The knitted head accessory, once known mainly for its use in high altitude skiing before the fashion world opened its glamorous doors to it, were seen at Calvin Klein in a variety of colours while Gucci dressed theirs up with sizeable crystal earrings and statement tassels.

Headscarves

statement headwear fall winter 2018

Photo: Showbit

Headscarves were prevalent across the runways, signalling a shift in favour for ornate scarf designs that adorn intricate prints.

Valentino showed a series of oversized babushka-inspired scarves in bold graphic florals that trailed romantically behind the models. Versace had a few which rocked pop art graphics and striking colours in coordination with its ready-to-wear pieces. Max Mara featured a modest and lustrous black number which would perhaps appeal to the Muslim community.

By and large, the headscarf is one of the more wearable accessory on this list; so if you’re the kind who prefers to thread on the safe side, this one’s for you.

Eye-shielders

statement headwear fall winter 2018

Photo: Showbit

From Marc Jacobs’ planter hats and Saint Laurent’s sexy leather-accentuating soft black topper to Alberta Ferrari’s studded number, hats with structured wide brims gave off the right amount of elegant mystique this F/W ‘18.

With an enigmatic air and a sultry feel reminiscent of the film Casablanca, these hats are a high-drama, high-octane feast for the eyes.

Statement berets

statement headwear fall winter 2018

Photo: Showbit

The classic French beret we all know and love sports a couple of new dramatic twists this season.

At Versace, the military beret was rendered in brightly coloured tartan patterns while festooned with gold medallion embellishments. Isa Arfen sent extra-large berets that stood on the heads of models like stiff frisbees while Giorgio Armani too took the oversized route with bright sequined berets that slouched.

The big players

statement headwear fall winter 2018

Photo: Showbit

Alas we arrive at the showstoppers: The ones that take the cake when it comes to outre head ornaments.

Gucci had diamante hair nets that sweep the shoulders like a crystal chandelier. Matty Bovan, who brought the party to the runway by wrapping giant helium balloons in tulle atop of the models’ heads.

And the cherry on top of the cake: Comme Des Garcons took its usual avante garde route and gave us a shocking array of glittering multi-chrome headdresses done up in elaborate fashions: Triple-stacked buns or gigantic Princess Leia-style double buns.

ALSO READ: THE LEATHER ONE-PIECE OUTFIT: HERE’S WHY WE LOVE IT AND HOW YOU CAN POWER DRESS INTO FALL