Shoulder pads, pie crust collars, skirt suits and pearls - there can be no doubt an 80s revival has swept through fashion over the last year.
Until very recently though, there’s been a crucial piece of the puzzle missing: the padded velvet headband.
A fundamental component of any self-respecting Sloane Ranger’s uniform, the padded headband enjoyed its heyday in the 80s, favoured by the likes of the King's Road set, namely uber Sloanes Princess Diana and Sarah, Duchess of York - Alice band super fans.
And now, thanks to Prada’s Spring/Summer 2019 show in September - where every single model sported a headband so oversized it looked like a halo - the Alice band has well and truly returned.
The perfect accompaniment to our favourite polka dot dress, the padded Alice band is not only a quick fix to keep your hair looking tidy, but it also adds regal gravitas and polish to any outfit.
See it in action on Kate Middleton recently, for example. The black velvet hair accessory she wore to the Armistice service at Westminster Abbey earlier this month was nothing short of a sartorial triumph.
Alice bands on the Spring/Summer 2019 runways
Muccia Prada sent an army of headband-adorned girls down the runway for the Prada SS19 show.
From soiree-ready satin to bad girl studs, the show proved oversized 'matador' headbands make the ideal hair accessory to virtually any ensemble.
At Chocheng's Spring/Summer 2019 show, there they were again, in a more minimalist, 60s aesthetic this time.
And also at Miu Miu, where most of the models wore slimmer 'school girl style' designs.
...and now they're popping up all over the 'gram too
Get the Look:
Jennifer Behr Braided velvet headband, £215. Shop it here
Hummungbird Design Padded Velvet Matador Band with Rose Gold, Diamante and Faux Pearl Flower Jewels, £38.99. Shop it here
H&M Velvet Alice band, £4.99. Shop it here
Anthropologie Celestial velvet headband, £28. Shop it here
Anthropologie beaded leopard-print headband, £34. Shop it here
& Other Stories beaded headband, £27. Shop it here
