The History Of The Not-So-Humble Fascinator

The History Of The Not-So-Humble Fascinator

When it comes to high-end events and special occasions, there’s no better way to finish off the perfect outfit than with a beautifully striking fascinator. The name says it all! They really are very fascinating indeed!

What we love about these funny little hats is that, unlike other variations of headwear, they serve absolutely no practical function whatsoever. They’re only there as crowning glory - and the fact that they’re usually very big and bold only works to cement this idea further. 

Of course, you can go minimalist with your choice, but typically the more extravagant the fascinator, the better!

Interestingly, you can trace the history of the fascinator all the way back to the 15th century and the Renaissance, when hair decorations started to become the very height of fashion. As time went on and the projection of the self-image became more important, all sorts of different adornments came to the fore, everything from veils and coifs to pillbox hats. 

This popularity of these fashion accessories eventually led to the emergence of a brand-new career path… the milliner - someone who makes hats for women. These milliners were highly skilled and each of their handcrafted creations was a work of art in itself, which is why fascinators came at such an exorbitant cost.

And, of course, we can see the extravagance of these curious hats in the fascinators of today and they’re often used to really make a very serious fashion statement indeed, helping people add a touch of flair and creativity to their outfit in one fell swoop.

When it comes to finding the right fascinator for you, make sure that you choose one that works in proportion to your height and shape. If you’re very tall, for example, you may find that a smaller design works best, while a large fascinator can make you look taller. Just have a play around with a few options and see which one takes your fancy!

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