The evolution of head ware…….
There's no denying that fascinators have become high-society event staples, topping the heads of wedding guests and horse-race attendees alike.
Women of almost every civilization have used decorations to adorn their hair. Native Americans used feathers, Ancient Egyptians wore gilded wigs, and ancient Hebrews powdered their hair with gold dust. But by the 15th century, the Renaissance period introduced a new era of power dressing, and hair decor moved away from solely ritualistic or spiritual purposes. Merchants were expanding consumer markets by making chic accessories, including hats and hairpieces.
As dressed-up with head ware grew in popularity in the early part of 1500s, the word "milliner" came into use, a term for a maker of women’s hats — fascinators included. Much like atelier workers, milliners craft by hand, meaning each hat doubles as an original work of art. Milliners "block" their own shapes and "roll" their own flowers. The more intricate, extravagant, and bespoke the fascinator, the more it costs.
In the 1980s, London-based milliners Stephen Jones and Phillip Treacy popularized fascinators as we know them today within elite circles. Many of their designs were on display at the royal wedding, this leads us to the modern, 21st-century fascinator. These hats experienced a boom in popularity, and they’ve been ingrained in British fashion history. Whether being used as a form of escapism, an attempt to mobilize into higher classes, or a symbol of defiance.
While fascinators serve minimal functional purpose, they do have a several desirable qualities. For one, they can elongate your silhouette by adding the illusion of height. Being perched on the side or front of your head, they can also preserve a gorgeous blowout. Finally, if you get yours custom made, fascinators can be true works of art and expressions of your personality. When understood this way, who wouldn’t want to wear a chic, historically significant, conversation-starting, creative, statement piece?
Simplicity is the key with subtle influencing and versatility
- Red Fascinator…….this red fascinator were made in Australia by Cupid’s Millinery Melbourne, made with linen straw material with subtle black fleck throughout. Perfect for Race or guest of the wedding for a added funky feel to your occasion. Colour choice for optimal mix and match goal, and the classic style with lasting wear.
- Monotone feather : can be a brooch or Fascinator, made with real feathers with a diamanté brooch in the centre
- stranger in the night: Swarovski Crystal in clear antique shape in rosette setting, excellent for either brooch or Fascinator
- Classic comb Fascinator : in black or cream, simplicity at its best