During the fall of 2009, a certain look dominated the runway – a piece of clothing that looks halfway from a scarf to an improvised hood. It was a move that was apparently the hope of the fashion industry to save it from the economic slump.
You couldn’t call it a scarf because it’s a bit bigger. Nor can you call it a hood because it’s unattached to your clothing. However, this accessory is a practical buy because it can do the functions of both. It has gone on with a lot of monikers, but most have simply settled by calling it a snood.
Famous labels like Missoni and Burberry highlighted the trend as it graced the collections of Donna Karan and Yves Saint Laurent. From then on, it went into mainstream.
American Apparel had it as a ‘circle scarf’, first releasing in solid colors, and then following with more styles with prints. Zara also followed the look with its range of half-scarf, half-hood clothing accessory. You’ll just love it’s purple winter snood-ish scarf…with tassels! It’s so feminine.
It went on like a silently agreed campaign for the retailers to save the business. Apparently, Bloomingdale encouraged its customers to try the new ‘lavish accessory’. Saks Fifth Avenue also had the snood as part of the hottest list for the season.
It was a tout that went positive as the British GQ went to such extent as providing creative and practical ideas to wearing the snood over thick knits and tailored jackets.
Missoni, popular for knitwear, jumped into the pool with its range of casual but funky mohair pieces. You just can’t get enough of ideas to add to make a fun style to the good old layering.
Burberry, the one that started it all, stays true to its signature plaid. But, who says you can’t have fun? Indeed! Burberry has checkered snoods in cashmere. What’s more, they got mink and rabbit fur! Yep. And…no, they didn’t settle for plaid alone. They had plains and stripes in varied grey hues.
Another charming snood, better called an infinity scarf, from Ash & Dans comes with a lovely brooch.
Suite101 posted a list in November on 10 Winter Must-Haves. Guess what? The snoods came in second on the list. The fourth that it had was also a scarf – a colorful one. With a scarf or a snood, you’d be ready for a catwalk. It’s apparently considered an ‘investment piece’.
Whether it’s a scarf or a snood, you’ll never go wrong with the style. Of course, these styles are going to get thinner and sleeker as we move into the hotter days. But, they’ll definitely stay a little longer. The fashion world needs to prep up the styles too keep up with the picky market and the fickle business scene.
It’s a good way to keep up with the sales without having to highly, not to mention expensively, market the major clothing. It is like, “Okay, I sold only three dresses today, but I also sold fifty scarves…err…snoods! That’s not bad. Thanks to the fashion runway!”
Retailers have been hopeful on this fashion look, and it looks like they’ll have to thank this little stylish blanket for helping them pull it through. Manufacturers definitely did not settle with the fleece alone. Nope. So, let’s leave the style, then, to Jason the Argonaut. Fashion labels of high and ‘wide’ (I don’t want to call it low) have come full force with their soft and classic plains, colorful checks, lovely fur, and stylish and fun prints.
If Lady Gaga looks so avante-garde with it, so can the ladies! What about men? Oh, yes, you definitely can have fun with the snood! You’ll be a head-turner with it over a tailored jacket. Thick snood or thin infinity scarf, you choose how you want it.
The next time you open the closet, think this: “Hmmm, I’m in the mood for a snood. Hey, I look good with it! Okay, I’ll go with it.” They go, ask, “Are you okay?” You say, “Yep! So glad with the snood today!”
Then, smile and strut your way! Toodles!
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By: Pauline Anne B. Ferrero
Date: January 29, 2010
Nice insight on the snood. Is it different piece of clothing from ones the muslim women wear in dubai or saudi arabia
A snood is a great gift idea for guys too, infact in the UK the snood scarf is the number one gift idea for xmas. Whereas cashmere is more for the girls.
The snood scarf is wonderful, im so glad they have come back into fashion AND the men are really taking to them in a big way. the snood thanks to football snood scarves have seemed to have a massive effect on the popularity, moreso in the UK. The snood scarf has a different name in the USA because they didnt like the word snood. I believe infinity scarf is the name they refer to.