Contemporary Turbans
� Sikh turbans- Faith Oriented
� Rajasthani turbans- Associated with Royality
� Mysori turbans- Associated with Special Occasions
� Prada Turbans- Super Hip
The Prada Turban
The Prada Turban was first introduced during the Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2007 runway show by Miuccia Prada herself on September 26, 2006. Although initially designed specifically for haute couture, the immediate and overwhelming reaction of the fashion masses to the turban inspired Prada to design a ready to wear collection several months later. Available in several different solid colors options, the turbans retail for approximately $250.
Not only were fashion critics and fellow designers blown away by the design and functionality of the Prada turban, but common day consumers as well; the turban became a high demand item for purchase in high end stores and online. In response to Prada�s startling success among the common consumers, fellow ultra hip designers followed suit with their own variations of the turban. Designers include Marc Jacobs, Chloe, H&M, Ralph Lauren, Valentino, Moschino and Derek Lam.
Social and Political Implications of the Turban
Traditionally, turbans are symbolic headdress, worn to convey different levels of purity, religiosity and social status by men of various races and socio-economic standings throughout the Middle East and South Asia. As it happens, Prada has introduced its new accessory on the crest of the recent ban on Islamic headscarves and Sikh Turbans in school that is currently sweeping across some parts of Europe, in particularly France. Moreover, it is very historically uncommon to see women donning turbans for any religious, social, or economic reason.
Thus, critics and consumers alike are left to wonder whether the Prada turban was intended as political commentary on cultural tolerance, a role reversal on a traditionally culturally distinct requirement, or simply a good accessory that was introduced at a bad time.
Variations of the Original Prada Turban
Although the Prada turban was only introduced to the runway a year and a half ago, consumers and critics already find themselves growing restless with the style of the original. In response, Prada has recently introduced the mini turban, a smaller and more versatile version of the Prada Turban. Shaped like a thick satin headband, the mini turban mimics the same folds and knots as the original, but the smaller size is less intimidating which makes it easy for anyone to wear. However, due to the exceedingly high demand for the new product, the mini turban retails for upward of $400.