While I was scrolling Instagram mindlessly a couple of weeks ago I saw something so utterly divine it stopped me in my tracks. I was transfixed by the beauty of a floral headdress on a swan-necked mannequin, in harmonious colours of lilac, blue, and dusky pink. It reminded me of the amazing voluminous flower-filled hairstyles worn by 1960s model Jean Shrimpton in fashion shoots for Vogue and it gave me a pang of nostalgia for the old-fashioned, ever so slightly dusty window displays of milliners, hairdressers, and ladies’ outfitters, of my 1970s childhood. Since that discovery, I’ve spent more hours than I care to admit searching for all the most lovely Easter bonnets and floral headpieces and being more than a little envious of the wearers who manage to carry off the look with such effortless grace and style.
The wearing of bonnets at Easter dates back as far as the 16th century when Christians would wear new clothes to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. By the 19th century, bonnets became a key accessory for women, and Easter provided the perfect opportunity to show off their finest headwear. In the 20th century, the tradition continued to evolve with more elaborate designs and materials, like straw and flowers. Today, Easter Bonnets are still a popular tradition, with people of all ages and genders donning their most creative headwear to celebrate the holiday, and hatmakers seemingly becoming ever more imaginative with their creations!
Apart from the ubiquitous baseball caps and beanies hats are seldom worn nowadays, except at weddings and Easter parades. Although they don’t really suit me I love seeing people making a statement with a hat. They add so much to an outfit and can be so flamboyant and fun! what do you think, is this the right time for the return of the hat to everyday wear? Would it make a trip to Aldi that bit more of an event..?
I made a photo mosaic featuring some amazing makers and hope you’ll check them out via the links below.
From left to right:
Easter Parade Headpiece Headband by Tinselandtonic on Etsy
Easter Bunny Ears and BlueYellow Swirl by FloofyArts on Etsy - So cute!
Jean Shrimpton photographed for Vogue Magazine
Primroses Auriculas PDF Sewing Pattern by Laura Howard, Lupin on Etsy - Not a bonnet but this instant download craft pattern is such a pretty way to accessorize your spring outfits.
2nd Row:
Trinket Crown from Fumbalinas.com - Made from 1950s plastic earrings!
Pinterest link - Couldn’t trace the maker of this stunning hat. I would really like to credit them so if you are the artist please let me know.
CcMillineryCreations - This is the amazing Floral headpiece that got me started on this new obsession.
BombiniStudio - One Off Bespoke Handmade Stunning - that’s the listing title, and it’s absolutely accurate!
Third row:
Navy Blue and Pink Orchid Flower by DesignbyHummingbird
Jean Shrimpton with a hairstyle by Alexandre Paris for Vogue Beauty 1966
Needle-Felt Merino Daffodil Brooch by PoppyDarling - This brooch is such a cheerful accessory for spring.
Easter Parade Hat by TinseledTiara
Audrey Hepburn in Easter Bonnet from Hollywood Easter Photos: The Weird and The Wonderful
Shop News
Coastal Inspirations greeting card sets are back in stock and little Wise Owl cards are in the shop. I’ve tweaked the delivery on single cards so it’s now only £1.
Thank you so much for subscribing and reading, and a special thank you to those who sent lovely messages about the calendar wallpaper. It was great to know you liked it…and it’s spurred me on to design more.
Until next time, enjoy your week….and wear a hat, or at least pick a flower and put it in your hair! Julia x
