Still the Hottest Chic Coif: The “Joan of Arc”

The short, cropped coif coined "the bob" was invented exactly 100 years ago. According to the Telegraph, “the sexy, eye-catching cut was invented in 1909 by Parisian hairdresser Antoine de Paris, whose inspiration was Joan of Arc.” Now, a century after the hairstyle became the norm among flappers and domestics alike, it’s as popular as ever. Want proof? Anna Wintour, long considered one of the most powerful names in fashion, has been sporting hers since the dawn of time. (Karl Lagerfeld even paid homage to Wintour's signature hairstyle with his FW08 Chanel couture show, which featured a parade of models sporting cloned bob coifs). Jessica Alba just chopped her locks into a lengthier version. Meanwhile Katie Holmes (and offspring Suri) followed BFF Victoria Beckham’s lead in adopting the style months ago.

But that’s not to say the bob is solely for high fashion and Hollywood. Trendsetting twenty-somethings like model Agyness Deyn (and, more recently, Peaches Geldof) have given the century-old style street cred with their respective blond bobs. My favorite pre-teen fashion blogger, Tavi, is also another bob-sporting name to add to the list. Considering the economic climate and current style trends encouraging a less-is-more approach, it seems prime time for the bob’s resurgence. Besides, who better to channel in these tumultuous times than a trendsetting martyr like Joan? Fiscal hardship pales in comparison to getting burned at the stake, after all.