The New York Times is singing the praises of Agyness Deyn (and joining the ranks of media everywhere), remarking that her short, platinum tresses are now the rage in London.
Will women in America be similarly inspired? I’ve always loved women who can pull off a boy cut: Mia Farrow, Jean Seberg, Edie Sedgwick, and, more recently, Michelle Williams, all blonde, all pixie-ish in features.
But of course, there was also Linda Evangelista’s famous, career-making brunette crop, debuted under a newsboy cap on the cover of Vogue.
However, I think that women in London will be more likely to cut their hair than women in the States. Flowing locks seem to me an integral ingredient of American style, in part because they represent a societal construction of femininity; in part because they offer the option of pulling one’s hair back.
What do you think of the “new” short look?
Will women in America be similarly inspired? I’ve always loved women who can pull off a boy cut: Mia Farrow, Jean Seberg, Edie Sedgwick, and, more recently, Michelle Williams, all blonde, all pixie-ish in features.
But of course, there was also Linda Evangelista’s famous, career-making brunette crop, debuted under a newsboy cap on the cover of Vogue.
However, I think that women in London will be more likely to cut their hair than women in the States. Flowing locks seem to me an integral ingredient of American style, in part because they represent a societal construction of femininity; in part because they offer the option of pulling one’s hair back.
What do you think of the “new” short look?
I think you're absolutely right. I believe women outside America will try the look first.
ReplyDeletePlus, let's not forget that men in America largely prefer their women to have long hair.
I love the short hair, but I haven't got the guts to try it myself.
I love the short look on women like Linda and Agyness, but not every woman can pull it off. I think particularly striking facial features are helpful, such as strong brows or cheekbones. It's a very chic look and is more European in overall boldness of appearance.
ReplyDeleteAlong these lines, several years ago I cut my hair short to look like the then Princess of Wales (not that I looked anything like her hahahaa) and I found the cut drew lots of positive comments, along with a lot of "oh I could never do that" as well. My thought at the time was that it's just hair and it's going to grow out so why not give it a go? I feel the same way today.
My hair is very (pixie) short and, with the exception of a relatively unsatisfying attempt to grow it out, has been for most of my adult life. I get a lot of compliments and it's so easy, I simply wash and walk out the door. Note: My hair is quite fine and doesn't seem to like to grow quickly or overly long. In my case, short is the prudent - and fashionable - choice. (And I do like that most women aren't doing the same thing.) Hair always grows back so I'm surprised more aren't giving it a try... K
ReplyDeleteK-Line, You have perfect hair for this short style! One issue that arises for me is texture: I like a very sleek look and my hair, when short, is too poufy. So while wearing my hair back works, I've learned through trial and error that short doesn't.
ReplyDeleteAnd Deborah, I know the Lady Diana days well. I still have tucked away in my cupboard a "black sheep" sweater like the one she wore early in her marriage. It was meant to go with my own Diana haircut in the mid eighties. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteLinda was the best in short hair! Back in her era, I had supershort hair too. I don't think I'd do it again...been there, don't that. And it's a lot easier to wear a pixie when you're 25 than when you're 40...I don't think I want to expose that much of my face now!
ReplyDeleteMy hair sways to and fro- from a bob to a short twiggie like cut! This inspires me to cut my hair to feel my inner pixie!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the inspiration!
I agree, Patricia! I plan to visit John Barrett when I go to the city and am so tempted to have my long locks cut into a pixie. But the upkeep would be overwhelming. . .
ReplyDelete