I’m privileged this week to introduce onto the blog the world’s first turban designer – Veronique Salagean. VS Turbans is an exclusive London based label founded by Veronique in 2015. Veronique aims to dispel the controversy that surrounds turbans – the origins of turbans relate actually to royalty and not religion. The earliest evidence of a turban dates back to the 1st century BC in Persia. Enjoying a brief renaissance amongst jet setters in the 1960s, turbans are becoming trendy again with celebrities such as Beyoncé and Eva Mendes recently rocking the look. Finding the subject of turbans fascinating, I couldn’t wait to ask Veronique about her love for turbans…. Hi Veronique….
Hi! I am Veroniqué Salagean, the world’s first Turban Designer.
What inspired the passion for turbans?
My style, creativity and uniqueness.
Have you always had an interest in fashion?
As a child I’ve been always dressed up to appear on stage – my mother was a seamstress – and at 6 years old I fell in love with textures. At 7 years old I had my very first tailor that I remember visiting for fittings. Even my casual hat at that time was made of the same cotton as my whole outfit. Afterwards I received clothes item gifts from my grandmother every weekend. From then to now I have had bespoke made clothes.
What made you decide to turn your passion into a career and launch your brand, VS Turbans?
First of all, I turned it into a brand because I walked into a room selling the turban I was wearing and that was the moment that gave me the realisation I was made for it. But personally speaking, my insane love for creating and wanting many babies, so many babies and now I have hundreds, made the actual empire. This is the way I see it and my creations (turbans) are my babies. This love of turbans backs up any loneliness, frustration or hurt I experience.
Your turbans range from simple drapes to drapes in silk, raffia and leather. Have you got a favourite from the range?
I do love working with anything based on 100% silk fibres but my actual choice that I truly love, is beaded fabric. It’s a very heavy material, but lush and alluring.
This season’s colour palette include latex silver, basis cream, lobster red, emerald, light calico, basis kaffee and gold.What colours is most popular amongst your customers at the moment?
Basis kaffee and gold.
Each turban is individually handmade to fit the client like a crown. What has been the most extravagant turban you’ve designed?
Creatively extravagant has been The Snake Ground designed for myself. It has got 21 rows of 1 and a half metres of black pearls hanging – an absolute artwork. The 1 Million turban was extravagant in terms of wealth.
As you are based in the UK, are your turbans available to purchase overseas?
Absolutely. My turbans travel worldwide.
Previously the look of jet setters in the 1960s, Turbans have become back on trend with stars such as Beyoncé and Eva Mendes rocking the look. Hypothetically speaking, which famous lady would you love to be the “face” of VS Turbans?
It’s a very good question and I must admit I’ve always seen myself until 120 years old posing and being the face of VS Turbans. But if I have to choose a person that will be Sheikha Moza bint Nasser only because I discovered her when I was 14 years old and pinned her image as I was fascinated by her beauty. Another person would be Rihanna as she is an unique, confident woman.
Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?
My daily appearance is an elegant casual approach that feels comfortable. I go for trousers and shoes with low heel when working in the studio making turbans.
Do you have any favourite shops or online sites? (Apart from your own)
I do shop from matchesfashion but favourite shops in particular I haven’t got. I tend to have bespoke made clothes.
What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?
I am sharing with you my actual new autumn/winter look and I hope you can imagine it. It will be black latex high rise boots with jodhpurs and short fur jacket accessorised with an extravagant version of The Snake Ground (made of leather in warm colour with gold crystal necklaces hanging on the back to the floor level – about 21 rows). This look is for afternoon time towards early evening worn on public appearance, short meetings or shopping time.
Boots or Shoes?
Boots if it’s autumn or winter or on a changeable day in the summer time. My shoes are mainly with a low heel. I love comfort when working as I need no pain. However my wardrobe is dominated by heels!
Fancy a Turban?
Visit the VS Turban collection – http://www.vsturbans.com
VS Turbans collection range from £400 to £2,000
By appointment at Wellbeck Street, London, W1G 8DY
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/vsturbans
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/vsturbans
I really love the sound of your Autumn/Winter look, Veronique! Your designs are very elegant and lush – you are extremely talented and it’s great that from a young age your love of textiles has shone through to shape your career! Thanks for sharing your creations and thoughts with us.
Linda x
All photographs have been published with the kind permission of Veronique Salagean.
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