It’s A Neck Thing

The New Fashion Accessory - The Keffiyeh

It’s a new season, and a new accessory obsession, and it’s not what I expected. It’s not shoes or a bag; it’s a fashioned-up version of the humble Keffiyeh (Arab scarf). You might remember it as a style staple from the ‘80s - think Bananarama.

Well, last year the traditional Keffiyeh in fun colors was the "his ‘n’ hers" trendy nu-rave scarf of choice. It looked best worn folded diagonally and tied back to front, creating a V-shape which all the coolest girls tucked their hair into. I thought the trend had died, but somewhere along the line, it’s had a fashion remix and been given a new lease of life.

It started with Balenciaga designer Nicolas Ghesquiere, who reworked the plain Keffiyeh into multi-colored, chain and coin dripping, multi-ethnic inspired scarves for his 2007 collection. There are now already 30 people on the waiting list for the new $2000 ‘Cheich Tricolore’ scarf.

Celebs and the Keffiyeh Working the look this fall is Sienna Miller; she favors a basic black and white one, but has just bagged herself a Louis Vuitton one in this season’s tobacco color. Kirsten Dunst is also a fan, while the Olsen twins wear theirs all the time casually slung over the shoulder young Hollywood style. I was out shopping the other day in London and spotted versions available in River Island and Urban Outfitters, and I am afraid I bought not one, but three. I couldn’t help it. And it seems that every fashion girl worth her salt has followed suit.

How to Wear the Keffiyeh

Wear them indoors, thrown over a simple T-Shirt or dress for an effortless fashion statement. Or make like Balenciaga, where scarves were worn with a cute blazer (another must have) and jodhpurs or jeans.

Get yours now - you know your fall/winter ‘07 wardrobe won’t be complete without one!

Some Great Keffiyeh Finds: 1. Stylex Purple Shemagh Scarf 2. Louis Vuitton Leopard Print Scarf 3. Stylex White and Black Scarf 4. Alexander Mcqueen Winged Skull Pashmina More Scarves & Wraps

Article Written By: Nicola McGeorge; Nicola was born in London, England and is a freelance writer and model. She covers a wide range of topics, and has been published worldwide.

Celebrity Photo: WireImage