Caroline Bazinet – United States

Laeticia

Category: Traditional

Description

The Laeticia proves that traditional techniques can be taken to modern scope and heights (quite literally in this creation). The piece is both named for and inspired by unbridled joy and childlike mirth. Warm-colored coral crin and gold netting are gathered to elegantly sweep across the face, veiling the left eye, and dramatically flaring up at the back of the head. Layering the crin makes the flashy gold netting distinctive yet wearable on even the most solemn occasions. Goose and diamond-shaped coque feathers are carefully placed to follow the elegant lines of the crin, yet add a spirit of fun spontaneity.

This piece is exclusively handsewn (including the headband to the base), implementing precise use of placement and angles to achieve its bold, graphic, and seemingly freeform shape and size with the use of a needle and thread.

The Laeticia is made with the spirit and principles that guide all of my creations. With each headpiece, I strive to create a distinctive masterpiece with clear inspiration executed such that both the headpiece and the wearer enhance each other. I enjoy applying the principles of pictorial composition, light, shadow, and vibrant and unexpected color palettes.

Experienced in the art of several types of handicrafts, I love the opportunity to use mixed media to achieve exactly the right colors, textures, and forms I need to capture the vision of my design.

Materials

• Sinamay
• Crin
• Netting
• Coque and Goosefeathers (wire mounted)
• The piece is secured to the wearers head with a headband hand-wrapped in gold ribbon

Techniques

• All materials are handsewn to a blocked sinamay base.
• Layering, placement, and stitching of the materials were all performed with great precision to achieve the distinctive and striking shapes and angles of this piece.