These gorgeous, custom designed turbans is the brainchild of Hege Eldholm, and can be ordered online from her studio in Sandnes a small town on the west coast of Norway. Already mother of twin boys Hege Eldholm (pictured below) feels that Turban Love is like a baby number three.
«I have always loved arts and crafts, doing up vintage pieces of furniture, knitting and sewing. I’ve been addicted to style magazines and after I had the twins I started indulging in my hobbies again, and started designing turbans», says Hege Eldholm.
Her launch pad’s been Instagram and since she started posting her first pictures online people have contacted her for a tailor-made turban.
«Yes, I cannot complain, I have had great response! Most heartwarming of all are the messages I get from women who have lost their hair due to illness. When they say the turban have given them part of their self-esteem back it feels meaningful and deeply touching – to be able to design something that inclusive is something close to my heart!» she tells Styletalkmagazine.
In India, and some countries in Africa and the Middle east, turbans and headscarves have a long tradition as cultural and often religious symbols. In the west they have cycled in and out of fashion since the trade between Europe and India started in the 1700s – and the western take on it has always been as a fashionable item rather than anything deeper. Paul Poiret’s obsession with it in the 1920s was purely a fascination for what was then considered «exotic» while Hollywood legends in the 30s 40s and 50s and stars and it-girls up until today have used the turban most like a fashion statement. In 2018 Gucci was slaughtered on the internet for putting white models on the runway in Sikh-style turbans and other religious head-wear and accused of cultural appropriation. A difficult debate, as most of us tend to wear anything from crucifixes to kimonos, headscarves/masks and even dreadlocks and tribal type tattoos to express our personal styles.
No matter what, a turban is a practical and inexpensive way to hide bad hair days and spice up a dull outfit. And a brilliant way to cover up when going bare is too much of an ordeal. For Hege Eldholm who always has her eye on fashion it was obvious:
«I noticed it was making a comeback in fashion and thought it a brilliant way to establish a small business on the side. Starting Turban Love and focusing on designing custom turbans combines the two things I really love: craft and style. I try to source for sustainable material and encourage local trades» she says and reveals that a net shop is in the making. Until then those interested in her work should check her Instagram and order from there.
Hege Eldholm divides her time between Turban Love with working as an air hostess with Norwegian airline. And when we did this interview she had just gotten the message that she will keep her job, in spite that the outbreak of the corona virus have stopped most of the air traffic worldwide.
«I am so very grateful, because I love my job to pieces. I have worked there for 17 years! So, for all who’s expressed support for us during these hard times, I would love to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt: Thank you so very much!» says Hege Eldholm.
All photos: Anita Hamremoen
Eyewear: @selandoptikksandnes
