How Dame Helen lost her heart to a headband

DAME Helen Mirren says her sense of style has been transformed by an oldfashioned innovation.

‘I’ve only recently discovered headbands, and have worn a few on the red carpet,’ says the actress, 77, who won an Oscar for her performance as Her Majesty in The Queen. ‘I always worried they looked a bit “Sloane Ranger” so had a resistance to them, but now I think they add a lot to an outfit.’

She adds: ‘In 1995, I went to the Oscars the first time I was nominated and wore a hat — I don’t know what possessed me. I thought it was like going to an English wedding, or even Royal Ascot. I’ve never worn one on the red carpet since.’