Musings from Marilyn

Posts Tagged ‘Fascinator’

Prince William and Kate arrived in utterly smashing style today, Canada Day, at the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada.  I have to say that I am ever more impressed with the Duchess of Cambridge’s fabulously chic and appropriate fashions at each outing!  This brings back the days when we all thrilled (well, those of us old enough, that is…) to see each of Princess Diana’s outfits.

Prince William was suitably attired in a navy blue suit, light blue shirt and red tie; the perfect backdrop for his gorgeous wife.  Kate was resplendent in a white Reiss ‘Nanette’ dress with 3/4 length sleeves and an asymmetrical draped neckline.  It was the same dress she wore for the official engagement photo with Prince William.  Hey, I am all for reusing clothes, hurray!  The duchess also borrowed jewelry, wearing the Queen’s diamond maple leaf brooch.  This added a nice regal touch and Canadian flavor to the ensemble.

The crowning glory, however, was the bright red fascinator hat by milliner Sylvia Fletcher at Lock and Co.  Adorned with fabric maple leaves, it was a nice nod to Canada.  I love it when the royals add the appropriate whimsical touches to their attire suitable for the occasion!

The finishing touches were a straw and red clutch bag by Anya Hindmarch, and red heels.  The red and white ensemble’s effect was very striking indeed.  Keep up the great sartorial work, Kate, and Happy Canada Day!

~Marilyn Huttunen

Princess Beatrice’s fascinating fascinator has completely grabbed the attention of the world!  This is quite a feat considering the massive attention placed on Prince William and Princess Catherine’s royal wedding.  A lone hat seems to be the shining star of the whole occasion, well, at least of the supporting cast.  It has even eclipsed Pippa Middleton’s exquisitely elegant bridesmaid dress in popularity.

Designed by famed UK milliner, Philip Treacy, the tea rose colored creation is a gravity-defying sculptural masterpiece.  The wildly swirling wedding bow is worn on the front hairline, held in place by a clear headband.

I am saying this as an American, where we are not so bold in our wedding attire, but Princess Beatrice has a lot of chutzpah and I admire her for it!  She is directing the focus of the hat to a charitable auction on eBay, with proceeds of the sale going to Unicef UK, and Children in Crisis.  Currently the bidding is over $11,000.00,  I hope the bidding goes much higher.  My hat is definitely off to Princess Beatrice for doing this.

I’ve been duly inspired by the hat-wearing Brits.  I have never worn a hat; probably because of my big head, I can never find one to fit me.  But the problem of head sizes seems to be solved by wearing a fascinator.  They could fit on any type of head and tipped at any rakish angle.  It would be great if Americans adopted oh-so stylish millinery wear.   But I really don’t think we could quite pull it off like the Brits…maybe some things are best left to them!

“I can wear a hat, or take it off, but either way it’s a conversation piece.”   ~ Hedda Hopper

~Marilyn Huttunen