Fascinator with coquille feathers and Russian watch movement on crochet circle by Kai Joldeski.
Designer Kai Joldeski contacted me after she discovered my article on fascinators. We have much in common – she, a designer of fascinators and me, an admirer.
Kai lives in Melbourne, Australia and is a self-taught artist who sells her wares on ETSY. She says she doesn’t feel complete if she hasn’t created something every day.
In addition to making fascinators, Kai is back at university studying Internet Communications. She agreed to do a little Q&A for just for you, readers.
How did you get started making fascinators and when?
I have been making accessories (handbags, earrings, belts, scarves, bracelets, shoe clips and brooches) since I was a very young girl for myself and my friends. Fascinators were the next natural adventure. I started only this year with fascinators and set up at Etsy in April.
Do you make hats as well?
Occasionally I will make a hat, but I prefer fascinators as they can be worn to more occasions and destinations.
How would you describe your aesthetic?
I like to design one-off pieces, so they are completely individual for the wearer. I enjoy the creative experience and put a great deal of effort into creating different kinds of headwear. I do incorporate the usual embellishments like feathers, fabric, and flowers and I usually include something different like crochet, as an embellishment in its own right. I might also add a rhinestone for that final point of interest. I do tend toward an asymmetrical design rather than symmetrical, as this allows further scope and interest to a piece. I rely on old-fashioned techniques in my work, such as hand stitching and crochet.
What is it about fascinators that’s so fascinating to women these days?
I think it is the accessibility and the ease of wear. A hat is worn for a specific occasion or a specific outfit, whilst a fascinator can be worn as an alternative to a hat on such formal occasions as a wedding. Indeed, a fascinator can be a casual item (as jewellery for the hair) and you can also wear a fascinator to work or even to the supermarket.
What’s hot in fascinators this fall?
I am influenced by the traditional browns and beiges in my fall series with a splash of black. Also, I’m working on a new Steampunk range.
Describe your customer. Who is she? What’s her style?
Someone that wants individuality – which is found with my one-of-a-kind pieces and for those who want something based on these fashions: Art Deco, Victorian, Steampunk, Individual.
Where do you get your design inspiration?
Everywhere, really. Sometimes it’s just the shape of a feather, or a colour found in a fabric. Sometimes a design shapes itself based on what the crochet or other embellishment brings in the process.
If you were to design a fascinator for Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge what would it be like?
Anything would look fabulous on Kate, but if I did have that privilege I would create something in red with my signature crochet embellishment, lots of curly nagorie (feather pad) and a statement feather of Lady Amherst (black & white) to finish it off.
Do you wear fascinators? What’s your fave?
I wear something every day, usually one of my combination pieces (hair clip and brooch in one) because of its duality and ease of wear. My favourite piece is this purple number (pictured right).
Thank you, Kai. Your work is truly unique and just the way we like it.
Get all the scoop on fascinators with Kai’s blog: http://fascinatings.wordpress.com/
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