The eternal cycle of fashion occasionally creates fads for accessories that many of us are keen to forget: items that survived one or two seasons before being consigned to the obscurity they so richly deserve. There they would remain if it weren’t for the creative energy of designers eager to give new generations a chance to experiment with pieces much reviled by their elders.
Good luck to the under-twenties, who have no knowledge of the joys of knitted balaclavas. This fall they will have a chance to don a number of dodgy accessories that have recently made a comeback on the catwalks.
Balaclava blues
The oppressively tight and scratchy accessory that many will associate with a complete loss of dignity and the promise of insanely bad hair will be back this fall. But who on earth would want one? Certainly not the children of the 1980s who were forced to wear them by unreasonable parents convinced that they could ward off the common cold. Thanks to Marine Serre, Paco Rabanne and Gucci, the headwear made a surprise return to 2020 Fall-Winter Fashion Week runways. The good news is that the latest iterations of the balaclava, which take advantage of new materials, might not be as scratchy as their predecessors from four decades ago. For those who don’t care about comfort but just want the look there are a host of retro models from the likes of Gucci, and even fantasy pieces in metal.
Headbands are back
Offering a good-girl look that is both delicate and elegant, headbands are about to launch a fresh invasion of the adult female wardrobe this fall. And don’t think that you will be able to avoid them. There will be no bucking the trend when Kim Kardashian starts sporting headbands to match her dresses and cycling shorts. Console yourself with the thought that if you have to toe the line, you’ll have a choice between different styles, with understated and discreet models by Gucci, chunky pieces from Fendi and bejeweled accessories by Badgley Mischka. These last two fashion houses are also making it easier for those who have bad memories of headbands with restrained versions that are partially hidden and worn upside-down.
The return of bling
Daringly chunky accessories along with patchwork and vibrant colors will be all the rage this fall. As for jewelry, bling is back, with outsize pieces that are a reminder of the influence of American rappers, who continue to be the darlings of major designers and fashion brands. The visible results of this trend will be extra-large earrings and notably outsize hoops, super-chunky cuff links, long bust-length pendants, large necklaces, big belt buckles, and plenty of shiny and extra-heavy gold chains. CC
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