When I began my career in the 80s and 90s, I created many headpiece designs using silk fabrics. More brides are requesting whiter headpieces and ditching the Hollywood silver bling. Could fabric headpiece styles make a comeback?
My client, Riana, sent me this image as her inspiration for her headpiece and veil design. There is a lot to consider with an accessory style like this. First, how functional would a veil like this be? Would my bride be able to wear it for her entire wedding day? Using this pic as inspiration, I offered some ideas and came up with something beautiful and striking!
When Riana came in for her consultation, she told me how she loved the asymmetrical nature of the bridal veil in the photo and wished for the veil to be long. I suggested we create it in two pieces so she could wear the silk-swirled flower separately at the reception.
I love to meet with a bride whose style and flair are void of any overdone trends. Rachael was just that bride. Living in California, we connected through a virtual consultation. Rachael had a unique idea in mind for her bridal accessory. Finding the right person to fulfill her vision was the biggest challenge.
Engagement photos by Kate Osborne
“I knew I wasn’t a glam bride, so sparkles or a crown didn’t fit me. Once I had an idea of a fabric headband with a bow, I was obsessed! It was classic without being too traditional and had a touch of modern, which pretty much describes my entire wedding mood board.”
Rachael realized she wouldn’t be a “veil bride” after trying many on. Seeing the photo of her wedding gown by Wona Concept made her fall in love with the look of a silk wrap-style headpiece shown on the model. Rachael began her search to buy this exact bridal accessory. Bridal boutiques that carried her dress were unwilling to research who made it and where to find it. I had my theory on this.
“After studying the wrap and tie points of this beautiful silk fabric headpiece, I sensed that this was styled solely for a photo shoot advertisement. I knew the slippery nature of silk charmeuse simply tied around a bride’s head would not be functional for a wedding day celebration. It would slip and slide all night, especially on the dance floor. ”
“Coming up with the accessory idea was the easy part; finding someone who could reliably build it was much harder than I expected. There are not too many professionals in the space- a lot of prefabbed cheap options and Etsy shops that didn’t have the skills. After my virtual consultation with Marie, it was clear quickly on in our conversation that Marie was a Pro.”
While I loved the soft satiny look pictured on the model, I knew this fabric would not be the right choice. Rachael’s gown was made of silk mikado. For this accessory style to succeed, it needed structure, and silk mikado was the perfect fabric choice. I went to New York City to meet with fabric vendors and precisely match her wedding gown color.
I decided to design Rachael's headpiece in three pieces. A handmade frame underneath the headband gave it a comfortable structure. The bow is designed as a completely separate piece with an additional ponytail wrap. Designing it this way would make things easier for her hairstylist and allow Rachael to switch things up during her reception.
“I did a trial with my hair/makeup artists the week of the wedding, so we could test out the best placement of the headpiece. When I explained what we would be doing, I think the hairstylist was a bit nervous, but once she saw how the headpiece had been constructed she was really confident it would be secure. It went on and secured with no issues. ”
Silk Headband and Bow STYLE
Wedding Photography by Kate Osborne
GOWN / Wona Concept VENUE / Utah Private Ranch BEAUTY / Lesley Lind FLOWERS / Artisan Bloom PLANNER / Fuse Wedding and Events
“Walking Rachael down the aisle was the highlight of the day for me. She was poised and beautiful from head to toe. Rachael’s headpiece was special! It was not only the perfect compliment to her dress, but it completely captured Rachael’s personality and style; beautiful, elegant, and unique while still being low-fuss and functional.”
“The finished product was beautiful. It was a PERFECT match to the dress.”
“The bow was a HIT! I’ve never gotten more compliments on a piece of clothing or accessory...ever! It was a standout part of the wedding, for sure! I liked that it felt like me. I didn’t feel like I was putting on a costume or playing dress up. I was bridal, but because I was able to design this custom accessory, I got to be my version of bridal!”
Rachael and her husband opted for a second look halfway into the reception. They love dancing at weddings, and changing into a mini dress and dinner jacket allowed them to dance the night away right through the end of the after-party.
“I found my second dress at Saks. I had it shortened, and the neckline altered from straight to a sweetheart. I wanted something classic but modern on theme with my vision for my first dress. I already worked with Marie on the initial headpiece design, so when I came across this Alexia Maria dress, I knew the big bow would be perfect.”
“The modular approach Marie took in designing my headpiece made it seamless to secure in place, and allowed me to take off just the bow and keep the headband and pony wrap for my second look. Two hair pieces in one!”
“Most brides have an idea of what they want to look and feel like on their wedding day, but they don’t have the tools or knowledge to bring that to reality- or even know what is realistic. Marie has the skills and experience to guide brides in the right direction. If I hadn’t found Marie, I probably would have ended up with a floppy piece of fabric and a major bout of panic on my wedding day trying to wrap it around my head. Marie knew how to design it, how to build it, and how to help me place it. I cannot overstate how exceptional Marie is at her work. I’d trust her with any heirloom or custom piece.”
See you next month on the Fourteenth
