With the hottest day here in the United Kingdom recorded at the end of June, for June time, I’m wondering what July will bring!
A repeat would be a combo of widespread wet washings and the hot bake. Whether flower or friend, it’s a bit of a shock to the system and the land we live in.
It was wonderful to create a very special headpiece for Baroness Bolsover (The Victorian Afternoon Tea lady) which she wore for the first time at an event I was fortunate to attend. I was pleased to get the look the Baroness wanted, where imagination played an important role with the audience participating so willingly in the afternoon tea talk. Designing the headpiece to complement the Baroness’s terrific tea gown was the final touch needed to entice us all into the actress’s world of make believe.
By collaboration the actor, seamstress and milliner told a great story. Historical influences, amusing tales and a receptive crowd provided the right image, along with plenty of fun.
The Baroness wanted a reduction in weight of the usual Victorian style hat or bonnet, to avoid being overheated as she gave her performance. We chose a distinctive headpiece in harmonious colours using dusky pinks, a gentle yet glorious gold with a cheery chestnut hue. As the headwear designer, my job was to colour match this fabulous fascinator with the tea gown using the very shades the Baroness favoured for her complexion. I hand dyed the feathers to get these tasteful tones, all blended to give just the right mood, a blushing brooding elegance.
The styles and fashions of recent Ascot hats tell another classy tale, from the boater hat to the bold, big and beautiful hats, favouring the tastefully tipped angle.
Each exquisite hat design brings with it its own unique statement. Repeat outfits are given a new identity when put with different hat. Another wear, another day, another yarn!