Hey Lovelies,
Today’s fashion conversation is about the Beret, a trend we are all loving at the moment. It’s reminiscent of a time back in my childhood when all I wanted was to grow up and be eligible to own and wear one like the beautiful women in my household. Fast forward to when I turned eighteen and I had forgotten the beauty of this headgear and instead I saw myself shoving it at the back of my wardrobe and only whipped it out when I was having a bad hair day – completely disregarding the beauty of this piece and completely forgetting how it once made me feel. I’ll never make that mistake again, a mistake that goes back to when my idea of beauty was not wearing a hat that hid my straight or braided hair. It’s not about the Beret it’s about what it represents, and for me it represents bravery, strength and power.
Short History
This popular headgear pronounced ‘Berray’ or ‘Beray’ and associated mainly with 17th-century style, the Beret is now worn around the whole world without any boundaries beautifully so by women who stand tall when wearing it. This round, flat, warm hat was worn in the military and continues to feature amongst political organizations such as our very own Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the African national congress (ANC) and now the ordinary citizen like you and I. The iconic image of Che Guevara wearing it lingers in my head beautifully and even in his death it makes him the perfect influencer for the Beret after the women of the Methodist Church Wesley Guild. The 20th century introduced this headgear to women’s fashion and it was even, “adopted by the Chinese both as a fashion statement and for its political undertones.” Rastafarians have their own unique kind which stands out from any other I have ever seen. It is large, multicoloured and woven uniquely to accommodate the Rastafarian hairstyles I believe. This is indeed a timeless piece that will continue to be passed down from generation to generation.
The first time I ever saw and appreciated the beauty of this piece and to recognize it as a fashion statement was when the love of my life my Grandmother wore it. Day in day out during the Autumn and Winter she alternates between the many she owns. It’s lovely to see an item once worn mainly by our grandparents now becoming something acceptable amongst all ages. This is a good indication of the direction fashion is going. There are no more limitations, there are no more restrictions or stop signs. In it I see a symbol of strength, of utter beauty and overwhelming power when worn, it is so so thrilling.
Why I love it?
We have found a way to sneak it into our Spring /Summer wardrobes. There is no right or wrong way to wear it. Styling it is exciting because of its versatility. It is a Revolutionary symbol that reminds us of the sacrifices made by people in the military or those fighting for the betterment of a nation as well as how the political climate worldwide is in need of this. The rumours are true it is easily the cherry on top of a complete look and it screams SHOW UP, show up to whatever commitment you made, show up for your loved ones, show up for yourself.
Where to buy one?
- To Order: @mimimvakali on Instagram: Email Address —> [email protected]
- Woolworths
- Forever21
- Truworths
- Pep Stores
- Zara
XO
It’s safe to say that now you can call me comrade C.
Comrade Cway.
