Kate's fascinator.
Well, you know that cute little hat number Kate Middleton sported on her first outing as princess-to-be? I called it a cocktail-style hat, but it is in fact a fascinator.
A fascinator is more of a hair adornment rather than a hat. Originally in the 1600s it was a simple cloth that covered a woman’s head. In recent times it has refashioned into elaborate head pieces, although still light in weight, worn to the side of the head with embellishments such as feathers and flowers. What makes a hat a hat, is a hat covers the crown.
Kate is bringing fascinators into vogue, with ladies asking and milliners supplying for weddings and garden parties. Fascinators just may be The Accessory for spring and summer 2011.
I like this fascinator idea. They’re lightweight and have a tremendous chic factor. Good for weddings, parties, graduations, and other special occasions. What do you think? Are fascinators in your immediate future?
OverDressed for Life 
For Rachel’s wedding, I re-made a veil for her. She also asked me to make her best friend, Claire, a hair ornament. Claire had found the cutest vintage dress in light yellow to wear as maid of honor to the wedding. So I used the colors they chose for decorating the reception. I came up with this piece, which I believe you could call a Fascinator:
http://www.malvenapearl.com/wordpress/gallery-of-photos/
Please scroll down – it’s the fourth photo from the bottom.
🙂
How lovely, Suzette. My favorite colors – perfect for an autumn wedding! Once again, thanks for commenting.
Here in Australia, their popularity is huge at the Brisbane and the Gold Coast racing scene (as the warmer weather indeed, humidity is not conducive for a full hat). All kinds of headgear are a must for the Melbourne racing carnival and more so these days, fascinators are abundant, especially on Cup Day; as they offer a wider array of design and whimsy over a hat (pretty much anything goes) they do not interfere with hair styling and are easy to wear. Fascinators too are the new choice for Melbourne brides and bridal party; as they offer a fresh alternative to traditional tiaras and veils.
As you say, fascinators are a hair adornment – I too consider fascinators like jewellery for your hair. Accordingly, I like to wear an understated version (not so flamboyant feathering, just diamante or ribboning say) during the day either on my head (at side front or over a ponytail at back) or even on my décolletage (it’s easy to clip one on the neckline) and does depend upon the outfit. A little glamour lifts your mood for the day’s toil ahead.
Yes, I agree that what’s particularly great about fascinators is they don’t ruin your hairdo Thanks for the great comments.
[…] Catherine is carrying a small black clutch evening bag and she’s wearing simple black pumps. No fascinator? Perhaps not for dinner at […]
[…] been hit with Fascinator Fever … ever since I saw Kate’s feather fascinator back in March. What’s a girl to do? Make one for […]