Are the definitions of hats universal?
Are the definitions of cocktail hats, fascinators, headpieces etc universal ? need help with categories
im trying to work out the category listings for my online bridal accessories business, so confusing trying to define which category each piece should be listed under .. also noticed, some milliners refer to what i would call a cocktail hat (blocked) as a fascinator or simple flower as a headpiece .. any advice working out categories would be much appreciated
in my opinion a cocktail hat is a small blocked hat, possibly without a brim .. most often a button or smartie hat (as we call them in the uk) plain or decorated with feather, flowers, netting etc .. i would also refer to a mini topper as a cocktail hat also
in my opinion a fascinator is a hair accessory attached to a comb, could be feathers, sinamay loops, flowers, crin etc
in my opinion a headpiece is a an accessory consisting of a base, sinamay circle, kidney shape etc with trimmings attached .. i would also consider those popular lace, silk, beaded flower bridal hair accessories to be classed as headpieces - they would have a felt base with decorations stitched on top
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by edith f -
First of all Ascot was correct a fascinator was only acceptable at the event if it covered 4inches (note 4inches min) of the head. Pieces made with combs etc which are less than 4 inches in circumferences are HEAD PIECES plain and simple.
In France the term MILLAINAIRE was invented for a reason and hence the term internationally used MILLINER! as making hats is an Art and a skill.
As a french person, I can confirm that those little amuse-gueule genre of hair pieces with combs and pins are exactly just that HEAD PIECES.
A BIBI (which is a head jewel - french 18th century) is between min 3.5inches and is a rather outstanding piece of sculpture that no-one in there right minds would call a Headpiece or Fascinator....A BIBI IS UNIQUE. Thus I agree with you definition of headpiece and how they are made.
But with regard fascinators i give you current meaning,
A fascinator is a headpiece, a style of millinery. The word originally referred to a fine, lacy head covering akin to a shawl and made from wool or lace, but mostly feathers. In the modern usage, it refers to a woman's alternative to hat for formal attire; it is usually a large hair decoration on a band or clip with elaborate trimmings and decoration like a formal hat and it can incorporate a base to make it a miniature hat.
Today, a fascinator may be worn instead of a hat on occasions where hats were traditionally worn—such as weddings—or as an evening accessory, when it may be called a cocktail hat. It is generally worn with fairly formal attire.
To me personally I think a fascinator occupies a distinct amount of the human head to be able to qualify.....head pieces are those ridiculous cheap little comb and slide nonsense that people buy in retail stores for £2 to £15...they are appalling and the Queen ( I am not a royalist) was right to ban them and demand greater care be taken in presenting one's self to her event.!!!
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Permalink Reply by Cara DeLaRosa-Harrison
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This is very enlightening...here in the US, wedding "fascinators" are the rage. However, as Kate stated, Fascinators seem to describe everything from a simple flower on a comb to much larger pieces. It's confusing!
Most of my bases are on the large side to begin with (5"-10"), growing much larger with all of the elements added. Because the term "fascinator"seemed to be so commonly used here I have taken to calling them "hairpieces". I had never heard of the term "headpiece" and I'll have to see if people do product searching in the US under headpiece.
Can anyone give me any feedback as to what my items should be called?
Thanks all! XOCara
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Permalink Reply by edith f
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at the size you have Royal approval to qualify them as FASCINATORS. We french call them exactly what they were named to be since the 18th century - BIBI - pronounced bee bee!
Be exclusive and just name yours BIBIs ....Fascinator is a very generalist term and it is inappropriate for Headbands, single flower clips etc.
enjoy.
