Knits and Hair

6a00e5508e95a988330147e169a86d970b-640wi.jpg

Ponte

It's not a good introduction to start this with a title that references the eggs of head louse but the emphasis here is on KNITS.  Let's therefore divert from my dim-witted title back to the subject at hand which are KNITS that actually don't require any hair if you sweep everything up into these generous bundles of thick cashmere that knit accessories label Verdel specialise in.  All The Pretty Birds' Tamu first brought Verdel to my attention and whilst moody smoky-eyed lookbook images showcases the shapes and structure of these hats and turbans in fine fashion, I couldn't help but enquire about the full colour spectrum of Verdel's cashmere.  Currently, Verdel has some autumn-winter warming shades of cream, charcoal, black, rum, cognac and ochre which make me think of root vegetable soups and hot toddy drinks (for obvious reasons).  However, knits on the head especially not in the form of beanies or bobble hats as these shapes clearly demonstrate could certainly exist in brighter hues. 

8_big 8_big2

8_big4 8_big5

Looking at this blog tracking pyjama sur la plage styles in the 1930s, I noted the vivid colours of the headwraps that women wore as part of their beach attire, shapes that are not too dissmilar to the core Verdel turban styles.  Thinking of ideal shades of coral and blue that I would like gel-ink pens to match up with (don't ask me why writing stationery needs to dictate my knitted turban needs…), I picked the Paola and Sophia styles in less than conventional colours.

This makes it all the better to play around with a colour palette that I'm especially keen on when the weather brightens up but stays chilly (like today as demonstrated by blinding sun bouncing off my face) – colours that have a pastel yet bright quality as seen in Japanese candy or a Tim Walker shoot.  It's odd that the shades of coral and blue should be called bruma (meaning haze/mist) and cielo (meaning sky) respectivley seeing as they seem a whole lot brighter than they purport to be.  My fringe-laden haircut means some adjusting needs to be done to the placement of the turban but thankfully they can also be wriggled around so that they slouch a little in the back unlike more constrictive turban hats that need to be pulled taut over the head.  Apologies for the disturbingly close-up shots of the face but I was trying to communicate the chunk and feel of the cashmere through jpgs – an impossible task probably – but it's still worth trying as I'm sure there'll be some question marks over the seemingly steep prices of the hats… it's just that they're VERY weighty and not in the sense of physical weight but that they FEEL like there's qualitative weight in your hands and of course, on the head…

DSC_2143

DSC_2153

DSC_2166

DSC_2180
(Worn with Krystof Stroznya jacket, Louise Goldin S/S 08 dress snagged at the bargainous sample sale, vintage pink brocade skirt, Carin Wester shoes)

DSC_2202

DSC_2205

DSC_2218
(Worn with Luxirare jacket, vintage shirt, vintage 30s cocktail pyjama bottoms, Nicholas Kirkwood shoes)

Away from the gel-ink pen fantasy shades, I also opted for the Anna style in a stable charcoal shade – a hat that can only be described as a Joan of Arc knitted homage though Verdel calls it a 'geometric cap'.  I suppose the line across the front is so damn straight, it does serve a functional purpose in keeping my fringe in line.  

DSC_2101

DSC_2086

DSC_2111

DSC_2091
(Worn with ASOS x Natascha Stolle coat, Proenza Schouler mesh shirt, vintage house-print shirt, Marc Jacobs silk pyjama trousers, Jenne O lace-up shoes – FYI, I haven't just won the lottery – both the Proenza and Marc pieces were HEAVILY discounted – I've finally mastered some tricks in sales shopping)

Much thanks to Verdel for indulging in my fastidiousness over the exacting shades of cashmere. 

32 comments

  2. these are soo amaazing!
    i think ive decided to buy two..though i’ll need to check the price tags first..hoping they’re reasonable!
    your outfit is spot on in the ‘joan of arc’ hat pics! and i have always always loved that luxirare jacket..
    xxxeve

  7. cool is the word! I’m a pretty ok knitter; anybody have any tips reg. knitting patterns for turbans/ headgear?

  8. very awesome. i love how you merged the style of the 1920s/30s with today’s contemporary look in each of these outfits – especially the first with the fringe skirt.
    love this post!

  9. I really admire you and your personal style – you’re always so inspiring, refreshing and amazing! 🙂
    I especially love how you wear colour.

  10. Ah susie,
    Is that makeup again? I’m so used to seeing you completely barefaced (well either that or you are an AWESOME practitioner of the no make-up, make-up look)!!! The kohl rimmed eyes certainly make you look more sultry but I must say, the red lips from the other day are my fave. Luscious! Did you vow to put your makeup collection to good use this year too (like me)?

  11. Wow, that last outfit…I’m always inspired by your outfits but THAT is sooo me. The mixing of those two patterns, and then the layering of textures with the dark tones…oh forget about it now I’m just blabbering. Good choices!

  12. I did not know that knits were the eggs of head louse! so thank you for the vocabulary. on your outfit, you’ve rendered me nearly speechless with your incredibly imaginative outfits & these knit hats! Your first pastel outfit is my favorite of the bunch.

  14. I love those 30s turbans, it’s nice to see wide-leg ‘pallazzo’ pants are back in too, also very 30s. I’ll look like that picture of the riviera ladies soon! (only in a stinky old office, not on the riviera).

  18. Susie, I never knew that woolley turbans could look so darn….ELEGANT…..till seeing these pictures. You and turbans are a match made in heaven!

  19. You look amazing I love all of the images and looks! You provide me with such great inspiration when teaching my daughters about individuality and personal style! Keep blazing your own trail Susie we love it!

  22. I fell in love with the turban style using headscarves, but these are just a whole new level, I think you managed to demoonstrate the thickness of them quite well, and maybe, jsut possible they look as though that price tag is justified. I think its an adorable winter look, and can be carried through to the summer, but with the use of silk scarves, I was studying the use of headwear in the ss11 collections just yesterday, and its got to be said my favoutite style was that shown at Salvatore Ferragamo. x

  24. Not keen on the head knit, but adore your ensemble: pattern pants and houses shirt Fantastic!!!!!
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

  25. i loved these turbans when i saw them on tamu’s blog. however, when i went to check them out for prices, i was shocked to see that they run about $300! i guess i’ll have to live out my knit turban love vicariously through your fantastic styling… 🙁

Comments are closed.