What are fascinators hats? They are not exactly hats that cover a woman’s head against the elements. They are, however, fascinating. Used more for aesthetic purposes than anything else, these wonders have been around since ancient times. They can be thought of as jewelry for the hair.
They really came about during the 1700s during the reign of Louis XVI. Women of the court wore hairpieces called poufs au sentiments. These were large pieces that were worn on strategic places around the head and were made into shapes and designs that resembled butterflies, feathers or jewel arrangements.
By the 1800s, most women around the Western world were wearing bonnets. In the mid-1800s, Americans began using the term fascinator to mean a lightweight, loose-knit shawl worn around the head and neck. They were still in vogue in the 1930s.
Picture old-time movie stars wearing feathered creations pinned glamorously onto a small cap and tilted just so. By this decade, however, cocktail hats became more the rage and took over where fascinators left off. Cocktail hats differ in that they are much larger and wider. They are sometimes confused with fascinators.
In the early 21st century, Stephen Jones and Philip Treacy, created fascinators that took the world by storm. Since then, they have been spotted on catwalks, television shows and of course, at events like the Kentucky Derby and all Royal Windsor gatherings.
Today’s Fascinators Hats
Today’s hats can be purchased directly from designers, or they can be made by hand. Typically, fascinators are held to the head by a band, comb or clip. They are sold at high-end department stores, or they can be purchased from one-of-a-kind designer boutiques. Many beautiful pieces are available at vintage shops or antique stores.
Favored designers of the day include Philip Treacy, who is known for making Royal as well as Hollywood fascinators. Treacy’s designs combine the best of traditional fascinators with those hats that are more along the lines of cocktail hats.
Homemade fascinators are relatively easy to make. Choose flowers, jewels, feathers, birds, butterflies or whatever else appeals to you to add to an existing cap or small pillbox hat. Of course, you are going to be using items found at craft stores or those you repurpose from existing clothing or jewelry. All it takes is your inspiration and creativity to create a hat that truly fascinates.
Apply the gems, flower or jewels so that they are secure to the base and add a comb or hair band to secure it when wearing the fascinator. A glue gun is the perfect tool for securing a small comb to the base of the fascinator.
More ideas can be found online. There are plenty of places to purchase ready-made fascinators online, as well. Or, you can visit a designer to have one custom made for your next event. Fascinators are the perfect accessory for weddings or other special occasions, and they are one of those historic pieces of women’s fashion that will never go out of style.
Something Special for Fascinators Hats
Something Special LA is a jewelry and accessories wholesale company with a retail location found in the heart of Downtown LA’s Fashion District. We carry a wide selection of fashion, costume, dressy, and everyday jewelry as well as brooches, hair accessories, scarves, and much more! We also carry a large collection of beautiful hats and fascinators. May it be for weddings, church, or the derby, we have something for any and every occasion!
We are always happy to assist you with any questions or issues during the ordering process. We want to ensure that your shopping experience is as easy and efficient as possible.
We can be reached by email at: info@somethingspecialla.com
We can also be contacted via telephone during our regular store hours.
Store: (213) 747-8809
Office: (213) 749-7669