Funky, not Punky

I was recently reminded of an incident when a friend went to have his haircut at one of London's swish new salons. When it comes to the future state of your bouffe, it can be a rather daunting experience choosing between the stylist, senior stylist, über stylist, creative director, or worse, the hairdresser extraordinaire, a true visionary who needs to be booked a minimum of three months in advance. So, opting for the safest and best short-term bet, the creative director, a chain-bearing jeans-clad stylist, who wasted no time with introductions, proceeded with a texture and conditioning test of his long blond locks. An hour later, after slicing, splicing, texturising and re-shaping my friend's hair to the trendy retro look of the moment, he politely reminded the stylist; 'I meant funky, not punky!'

What my friend hadn't realised, sadly, was that retro punk is a key look of the season. You only have to visit the high street to see the latest in neon prints, micro minis, ruffled boots and the hordes of accessories that will aid you in looking like a member of the Sex Pistols. The bigger fashion houses have only slightly incorporated the trend, as, for example, a Missoni mini priced at GBP 299 is a lot of money for a garment that you'll probably only wear a few times. Similarly, a Katharine Hamnett biker jacket will go great over a silky summer dress, but by the time you've worn it once, you'll be after the new coats you saw displayed in Harvey Nichols. If being a bright young thing in the latest micro mini is not your style, why not accessorise instead with the Louis Vuitton much coveted monogram multicolore accessory range. On the other hand, you can't go wrong with the retro 50s style Bardot-esque look; pencil skirts worn with knits and skinny trousers teamed with shapely v-neck sweaters. And, weather permitting, pinafore dresses and tops with big button and piping detailing.
<Don-Alvin Adegeest>

6 May 2003