Coming To A Head

In true Oberlin style, I was sitting in my afternoon dance class (which is unusual, seeing that we are usually moving!), Improvisation, which today was merged with the Collaborative Investigations class. Our purpose? To listen to Pulitzer-prize winning composer David Lang advise us on the collaborative and creative process. As I looked around the dance studio, I observed the mix of students: dancers from my class, as well as a blend of composers and musicians from the Conservatory and dance majors from the College working on projects together within the Collaborative Investigations class. It was, to say the least, a very interesting fashion mix, to be sure--from leotards to Prada loafers.

Among the sea of students, I was struck by a girl wearing the infamous forehead headband. My memory was immediately jogged, recalling London from America's Next Top Model Cycle 12, who was always sporting her headband across her forehead (much to Tyra's chagrin). Every pannel, Tyra would criticize London for the headband, but it would always come back. And I liked London! She posed well--if not fantastically--for pictures, and she was a pretty girl who believed in the good in people and thought it was kind of crazy that they chased her off one week for diet and weight issues. But I digress...

So it was this very "London" style choice that today left me contemplating... Sure, we wear belts to emphasize our waists, and use hems to accentuate other features. And of course, we wear bracelets on our wrists and necklaces too--so why not something on our foreheads? After all, the forehead is like the center of the chain, a vessel for the very minds that make us the strong, thoughtful women that we are. It's like saying, "Hey. Look right here. See what this is? Yeah, it's pretty great."

As far as celebrities go, Nicole Richie and MK have been spotted wearing the (fore)headband, a true testament to today's Boho-Hollywood feel. Relinquishing control of clothing and sporting less structured garments and hairstyles speaks to fashion's hopefully growing laissez-faire attitude, thus allowing style to develop, rather than be dictated. Always a joy to see.

The verdict for the everday girl: I think it's all too easy to make a mistake--too probable that your hair might bunch up on top (eew), or that the band could leave unsightly imprint lines. But for the goddesses of fierce among us, I say: go forth. Channel your inner Helen of Troy and draw attention to the strength and wonder of that pretty little head.

Images, in order of appearance: (1) ANTM's London, Cycle 12 (community.livejournal.com/topmodel/2403512.html); (2) London again, appearing on America's Next Top Model ( metanorn.kokidokom.net/2009/03/goddess-of-fierce/); (3) Nicole Richie and Mary Kate Olson sporting forehead headbands (http://stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com/2006/08/25/forehead-bands/).