A curated list of local brands offering silk headscarves
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAN KNOTT
WORDS BY SUNNY CHISHOLM
Trés chic!
The silk headscarf has seen many reincarnations over the years. From the Dutch milkmaid to mod-esque bandanas and boho pussybows, the ever-chic accessory is once again having a renaissance (perhaps partly due to a viral TikTok trend).
Beloved by both fashion and actual royalty throughout the ’60s, the headscarf was sported so often by Grace Kelly, Brigitte Bardot and Audrey Hepburn it became almost an addendum to their personalities – an extension of their bodies.
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Did they need to wear them? No. But the glamour and intrigue offered by a humble headscarf are self-evident. Unlike other accessories born out of practicality, silk headscarves serve no other purpose than to complete your outfit (and perhaps to keep your hair protected from the elements).
Whether you need a reliable friend to disguise a bad hair day or simply want to channel your inner French starlet driving to St Tropez in your convertible sports car, here’s a list of our favourites. Voila!
Third Drawer Down
Fitzroy-based Third Drawer Down has collaborated with a number of artists since its inception almost twenty years ago, translating unique pieces into gift and homeware collections. Its Looking At Colour was created in collaboration with Serbian artist Marina Abramovic and features colour-blocked primary hues accompanied by a poem that explores the relationship between art and experience.
Maggie Marilyn
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With sustainability as its guiding principle, Maggie Marilyn challenges the trend cycles of the fashion industry and is committed to a circular business model and seasonless designs. True to the brand’s DNA, its delicateForever Silk Body Scarf is both timeless and versatile. Rouleau loops in the top of each corner allow the wearer to fashion it as a halter top, bandeau, sarong or headwrap, and its vibrant print evokes a sense of playfulness, making it the perfect addition to any holiday wardrobe.
Manning Cartell
Reflective of balmy summer days, the burnt orange and deep red print by artist John Coburn is perfectly suited to Manning Cartell’s Flame Tree Silk Scarf. Made using silk habotai fabric, renowned for its fineness and sheen, this scarf is luxuriously lightweight and cool on the skin.
Gorman
No stranger to bold colours and abstract patterns, Lisa Gorman’s namesake label has a penchant for distinctive prints. The Night Flower Scarf from its recent collaboration with Australian artist Luke Arnold is no exception, and comes in a silk-cotton blend illustrating a monochromatic floral motif.
Damn Gina
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Australian silk hair accessory brand Damn Gina knows a thing or two about keeping curly tresses in check. Made using natural 100 per cent mulberry silk and non-toxic dyes, the label’s limited-edition scarves are soft to the touch and come in delightful retro-inspired checkered prints.
Collective Closets
The African-born, Melbourne-raised sister duo behind Collective Closets has pioneered the harmonious marriage of their two cultures, capturing the restrained silhouettes of Melbourne and the uninhibited spirit of modern Africa. Its Hemika Scarf is designed by Kenyan-Australian illustrator Jo Kalute and pays homage to the Kanga (a cloth that plays a meaningful role in the cultural identity of women in East Africa). Vibrant in colour and generous in size, it adds an element of grandeur to any look.
Zimmermann
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Best known for its resortwear, the iconic Australian brand’s mainstay is its premium fabrics and delicate prints. The Frayed Silk Square Scarf from its Holiday 2021 collection is signature Zimmermann, destined to be worn on your next beach escape.
Nakedvice
Influenced by the allure of the ’90s, Nakedvice was founded in 2014 by best friends turned business partners, Sarah and Jessie. The brand’s use of monochromatic colours, clean lines and considered details is evident in The NV Silk Scarf which offers an understated take on the scarf trend.
Ngali
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Ngali is a First Nations founded brand bringing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art to life through textiles. Its hand-sewn Gifting of Country Silk Scarf is adapted from the vibrant artwork of Gija man, Lindsay Malay, inspired by the blue of the Kimberley’s Chamberlain River and the ochre of the earth.
Leo Lin
Sydney-based ready-to-wear label Leo Lin is defined by its femininity and craftsmanship. Fusing the past and present, its collections inspire a feeling of nostalgia with vintage prints and dreamy fabrics. Its Viva La Vida Scarf sports a spirited print that nods to Frida Kahlo’s final painting of the same name featuring tropical summer fruit.
Marianne
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Founded by fashion alumni Alexandra McLeod in 2019, Marianne is refined in its details and playful in its use of colour. The brand’s aesthetic is largely inspired by the Italian setting of Luca Guadagnino’s film, A Bigger Splash, referenced in the use of green, white and red of its Caprese Silk Scarf (which is best styled with a negroni in hand).
Gloria
Offering both ready-to-wear and custom-made designs, each Gloria piece is handmade by New Zealand artist and designer Kristine Crabb. With limited production runs and a focus on fluidity, Gloria’s Macbeth scarf is true to the brand’s ethos. Both adjustable and minimalist, it can be paired with any outfit and worn as a face mask.
For a brief history of the headscarf, head here.
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