Trend Translation: veiled beret

It all started with Anna Dello Russo championing the latest look from the Jil Sander Spring/Summer 2012 show: the veiled beanie.

Anna Della Russo, photo via http://www.theclosetclause.com

Why the team at Jil Sander and milliner Stephen Jones decided to send out beanies for warm weather remains a mystery. Perhaps they were designing for summer in Jones' native Britain.

Models in Jil Sander, photo via http://www.thefrontrowview.com/2012/05/everyone-is-wearing-jil-sanders-veiled.html

Whatever the reason, veiled beanies have since been spotted on fashionable heads around the globe, and a Google image search brings up a multitude of DIY tutorials. As my beautiful Melbourne donned her traditional winter greys, I decided to give this trend a try. I rarely wear beanies, unless I am skiing. Quite frankly, my face is the wrong shape for beanies, and I prefer a bit more height atop my head. I do, however, wear berets.

With my mission clear, I headed to the Queen Victoria Market in search of an appealing beret. After finding a sage green beret with interesting gathered details, next stop was Clegs on Elizabeth Street for millinery supplies. With my $10 beret, $4.50 per metre veil netting (I used 2 shades of green) and $3 guinea fowl feathers, I headed home to construct one-of-a-kind veiled beret.

 











I think my interpretation evokes a 1940's feel, and I certainly feel very 'put together' in it. This style works best with hair left loose around the sides of the face, structured shoulders and neckline - think blazers, crisp blouses and shoulder pads - and classic red lipstick.