Thursday, September 13, 2012

Millinery Mood Board, Take Two


{click to enlarge}
Well, it's back to school season! I've returned to FIT for another semester of scintillating millinery; and this time we're doing BRIDAL. Yes, BRIDAL. Sweet!

I've decided that half the battle in a fashion program is learning to make a good mood board. In fashion school, the mood board is queen. Showing that you can arrange pretty pictures in a pleasing manner is apparently a very important skill. Since my mood board last spring was not so highly praised, I decided to take a different tack. No hats! That's right, you don't have to show any hats on a millinery mood board. Instead I focused on, well, the mood. (Look, I'm really learning!)

My theme is "Backyard Wedding" and it's the kind of summer celebration where there are dogs running around and everyone kicks off their shoes after the ceremony. Fried chicken is the entree and the signature drink is an iced tea cocktail. Old fashioned buttercream cake is a must. Gingham and polka dots everywhere.

And what do you know? My mood board was a big hit!

So what's next? We're making 5 hats this semester, starting with a Juliet Cap, also known as a cocktail hat. This is not to be confused with a fascinator. A Juliet Cap must sit on the head, and not need a comb or an elastic to hold it on. They were big in the 50s, especially cut high on the forehead to show off your hairdo.

A few examples:
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I will show my progress as I got along. Next project: turbans!!!

8 comments:

  1. Ah, mood boards...I'd never have the patience. Which could explain why I hop from idea to idea mid construction.
    If you want a good vintage video on how to tie a turban check out this 40's newsreel from british pathe.
    http://www.britishpathe.com/video/turbans-issue-title-is-ways-and-means

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  2. Pretty! And I would also never have the patience. Ack.

    My mom had a Juliet cap for her wedding, it was very pretty. But she got married in about 1968 so it was much more Renaissance/hippie than these ones...

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  3. Congrats on the mood board. I do it all the time, in my studio to set a tone, develop an idea or just for fun. Tear sheets are a way of life. By the way, when I disassemble that board, I file all the photos etc in a folder because I know I will need something from there in the future! You are living a dream that I held for a long time. The FIT experience. Now I am as old as dirt and it is not an option so I am living vicariously through you, keep those posts coming, you are my hero.*** By the way also, I took my copy of your book to my Quilting group meeting on Tuesday, (lots of ladies 60 + up to 80's) they loved you, your interpretations and your look. Big Hit!

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  4. I'm very excited- I loved your first semester products, and hats are a real item of interest for me. I hope it continues to be fun!

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  5. I would really love to know how to make a 40s or 50s style turban so any chance at all of a quick description or link to a pattern? I saw an old lady out on a local bus wearing one, seemed to be made from mohair-ish knitted material with some pretty beads sewn on, gave me ideas for what to do with my stash of "scrap" jumpers!

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  6. Did you see the hat that the Duchess of Cambridge wore the other day on her trip? It reminds me very much of the Juliette Caps.

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  7. Love the caps! I have several gorgeous ones that belonged to my Grandma from the 50's.

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