Emily Brewell – United Kingdom

Description

To create this headpiece I started by researching the meaning of the world ‘timeless.’ I found a vast amount of information but what resonated with me the most were the symbols used throughout history to explain this concept. I was drawn to these symbols as they were artistic renderings created to demystify this unknowable state of ‘timelessness’. The symbol I found most intriguing was the symbol for infinity, I love its fluidity and softness, its instant connotations to the hourglass a (measure of time) and subsequently the hourglass (the ideal female form) this fascinates me. These ancient symbols are woven into the fabric of our lives without us even knowing it. The infinity symbol lends itself beautifully to millinery, its fluid and crisp, symmetrical shape is the ideal form to place around the head, it cuts a beautiful line across the face giving height and drawing the eye up from the wearers eyeline to the top of the hat.

I chose to showcase the infinity symbol on the forefront of this hat right across the eyes making it the focal point of the piece, I then softened its impact by drawing it out using only a thin millinery wire as I didn’t want this hat to feel gimmicky. I followed this upward line using a black feather to further draw the eye upwards giving the piece a sense of drama.

I choose a sleek scullcap shape to hug the curve of the head making the infinity veil appear to be floating weightless. I wanted this hat to be sleek and seductive so I chose burgundy leather with black accents as they give of an air of drama and sophistication. I also echoed the infinity symbol in the leather pattern stichwork on the scull cap joining the base and veil together.

Materials

• Felt hood
• Milliney wire
• Felt stiffener
• Burgundy leather
• Pony leather
• Veiling
• Black feather

Techniques

• I first blocked a wool felt hood to fit a ladies 56cm head size onto a head shaped block.
• I cut the shape required and wired the edge of the felt crown shape.
• I then covered in interlinging to smooth edge.
• I then made a pattern of this shape in masking tape, creating an infinity symbol within the base shape.
• Using this paper pattern I cut leather and pony skin to shape and blocked around the crown block.
• I stiched these leather pattern pieces together and stretched over the felt base shape.
• I curved a millinery wire into an infinity shape and covered in a later of veiling, stitching it into place.
• I then followed the curve of the veil by attaching a black feather.