Fall Fashion: Babushkas

     Marc Jacobs                                      Blumarine                                    Dolce & Gabbana

I have been to Russia and can affirmatively say that it isn’t just a stereotype—the ladies really do wear headscarves. In Russia, “babushka” is the term for grandmother. And in Russia, babushkas are generally seen with scarves tied around their heads.

In Paris and Milan, however, designers took the term further; literally interpreting babushka as the term for headscarf. And wrap scarves they did as babushkas (the head scarves) were walking rampant down the European runways during the fall 2007 shows.

The trend was first spotted at Vera Wang where the designer appropriately sent Russian model Vlada Roslyakova down the catwalk donning a black head scarf. Although Vera was the first, many designers chose babushkas as their head covering of choice for the fall season. From fur babushkas at Dolce & Gabbana to a more minimalist approach by Giles Deacon for Daks, the babushka had it covered.

When the weather takes a turn, be the first to start the trend (because who wants to come in on the coattails of a trend anyways?) by knotting a plain, dark scarf under your chin. Pair it with equally dark, constructed clothes (gray, navy, black) for a chic look. Take a cue from Marc Jacobs runway look for an outfit that screams effortless and easy.

And under no circumstances should you choose just any old scarf. A bright floral pattern will leave you looking dowdy and clownish.

Even a real babushka could tell you that.