Some fashions catch on quickly, but others (like the pompadour) take a minute to take hold - with or without bobby pins. I think it's because of the pompadour's height. There is no way a woman can sneak into a room with her hair dramatically piled on top of her head. The bigger the head, the harder a pomp is to pull off.
We first started seeing the new-millennium version of the 16th-century mega-updo about two years ago, when pop singer Janelle Monae swept her bushy hair into a French twist crowned by a high, tight roll. Striking.
Other celebrities fancying the extreme-mane look include model/actress Dita Von Teese, singers Chrisette Michele, Pink, the late Amy Winehouse, and the queen of all things sartorially odd, Lady Gaga. The October issue of Allure magazine features two fashion spreads with models wearing a short version and a longer version of the pompadour.
"We have so many people coming in and asking for them," said Monique Mason, owner of Old City's Moko Organic Beauty Studio. "It's not an everyday look, but it's definitely cutting-edge and artsy. It's great for special-occasion hair."
As part of this month's citywide DesignPhiladelphia celebration, Moko will host a cocktail party titled "Pompadour." The 11-day celebration, which starts Thursday, features more than 150 events throughout the city designed to fete good design in clothing as well as architecture.
Moko's Pompadour shindig (Oct. 19, 6:30-9 p.m., 55 N. Third St.) will celebrate the resurgence of the baroque-era pouf. In addition to the pomped-out live models who will be there, Mason and her stylists will provide free pompadours to walk-ins. Stylistas can also get their pictures taken - tweet that!
