In our UK “Cred Reports” written up about fashion from Label Networks researchers and reporters which come as part of our 5th Annual European Youth Culture Study, we noticed that many of our reporters made note of the re-occurrence of what they describe as the “Alice” band, as in Alice in Wonderland/headband (which has also been made popular on guys thanks to David Beckham). In the U.S., we call them super skinny headbands.
This summer, while their popularity came in part to keep hair still at outdoor concerts, they continue their popularity as a way to achieve a new version of the modern-day bouffant. Once made glamorous by Jackie Kennedy, the girls from the B-52’s, and even Jeannie from “I Dream of Jeannie,” the new-school version with Alice bands isn’t to achieve hair as high, but more freestyle, messy, and usually worn with longer, angled hair over the forehead. The overall effect provides a rocker/indie sensibility with an accessory that is not hippy, but more modern and sleek.
Interestingly, this may be a pre-cursor to changes in apparel as early 60’s and late ‘50’s styles have been creeping in, especially among more leading-edge vintage fashionistas, particularly those that scour second-hand shops in East London. Referring to the recent release of our Cred Reports, particularly from the UK, ‘50’s styles are considered an all-time classic. And in the U.S., with the popularity of movies such as “Hairspray,” the classic bouffant may be on the rise (no pun intended).
Either way, the super skinny Alice band is growing in popularity, and not just on girls. More guys are adopting the like as interest in hairstyles among guys continues to increase. Overall, the super skinny Alice band has become a key accessory today.
For more information about Label Networks new Cred Reports from Europe, email info@labelnetworks.com; (323) 630-4000.
