Turbans, scarves, and bandanas are everywhere! Historically the 'turban' was traditionally worn in the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Asia, and they were introduced to English fashion in the 1700s. The expansion of trade opened Europe to other cultures. Turbans have been a fixture in the fashion world throughout the past century and have been worn by famous starlets and socialites, including the sophistication associated with Hollywood glamour of the 1920s and '30s when women like Greta Garbo and Gloria Swanson wore them.
My interest however in this latest fashion 'trend', did not come from seeing them on the 2011 high fashion runway shows of Giorgio Armani, Vena Cava, and Prada; it came from my mom. For her, it is a fun and fashionable alternative to the wig—not to mention a more comfortable one too. Scarves have helped her and many other women maintain their sense of style and femininity while experiencing hair loss due to chemotherapy. 
(Images from: Style Book, Decades of Fashion: Getty Images, Vintage Fashion. Scans from Vintage Vogues, TFS, http://www.ciaovogue.com/ )
