How to Rock Tiaras When You’re Not Royalty

Hedi Slimane has done it again. For Spring 2016, the Saint Laurent designer continued his exploration of grunge with a collection aimed at head-banging kinderwhores on their way to Glastonbury. The luxury lineup had all the Value Village hallmarks of female grunge bands from the late 80s and early 90s, like coquettish babydoll dresses that nodded to Kat Bjelland of Babes in Toyland and see-through slips that could have been worn by Chrissy Amphlett of Divinyls. But Slimane’s crowning glory came in the form of dime-store tiaras that were once popularized by the godmother of grunge and the lead singer of Hole, Courtney Love. 

Slimane’s love fest with tiaras is nothing new; in fact, it can be traced back through his music photography over the years. (More recently, for Spring 2013, the designer snapped Courtney rolling around the floor in her favorite headwear for Saint Laurent’s Music Project.) But this is the first time he’s trotted out the tiara so boldly on the runway — and it’s already being hailed as one of the top accessories for spring. 

Saint Laurent Spring 2016; Images: Imaxtree

The tiara may feel like a stretch to the average woman, but the house of Saint Laurent is out to prove once again that it can “be worn with anything” from jean overalls to slip dresses. And hey, if there’s anyone who can reclaim the accessory from bachelorette parties, Toddlers and Tiaras and that one time in history when Paris Hilton couldn’t help herself, it’s Hedi Slimane.

To get the runway look at home, choose a tiara with a dainty design — nothing too tall or overly extravagant. Temper it with messy bedhead and one or two grunge staples like army jackets, boyfriend blazers, faded denim, biker boots and leather motos. Most importantly, bring out a little attitude. Stylish women like Chrissy Amphlett and Courtney Love got away with wearing tiaras for one very good reason: They were hard core. 

Want to shop the spring trend now? Click the gallery below for 10 tiaras that get it right.