[Nfb-krafters-korner] Fascinator

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Fascinator
 
>From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 
 
 
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kate_in_Ottawa_for_Canada_Day_2011_croped.jpg)  
 
 
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kate_in_Ottawa_for_Canada_Day_2011_croped.jpg) 
_Catherine,  Duchess of Cambridge_ 
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catherine,_Duchess_of_Cambridge)  wearing a red fascinator during her visit to Canada 
in  2011


A fascinator is a _headpiece_ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Headpiece) , a 
style of _millinery_ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hatmaking) . The  word 
originally referred to a fine, lacy head covering akin to a _shawl_ 
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shawl)  and made from _wool_ 
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wool)  or _lace_ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/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_ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocktail_hat) 
. It is  generally worn with fairly formal attire. 
A substantial fascinator is a fascinator of some size or bulk. Bigger than 
a  _barrette_ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barrette) ,  modern fascinators 
are commonly made with _feathers_ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feather) , 
_flowers_ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flower)  or _beads_ 
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bead) ._[1]_ 
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fascinator#cite_note-0)   They attach to the hair by a _comb_ (http://en.wikipedia.or
g/wiki/Comb) , _headband_ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Headband)  or _clip_ 
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hairpin_(fashion)) . The fun,  fanciful ornament is 
often embellished with crystals, beads, or loops of ribbon,  and attaches via a 
comb or headband; some have a small, stiff, flat base that  can be secured 
with bobby pins. They are particularly popular at premium  horse-racing 
events, such as the _Grand National_ 
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_National) , _Kentucky Derby_ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kentucky_Derby)  and the 
_Melbourne Cup_ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melbourne_Cup) . Brides may  
choose to wear them as an alternative to a bridal _veil_ 
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veil)  or hat, particularly if their  gowns are non-traditional. 
At the _wedding  of Prince William and Catherine Middleton_ 
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wedding_of_Prince_William_and_Catherine_Middleton)  in April 
2011, various female  guests arrived wearing fascinators. Amongst them was 
_Princess Beatrice  of York_ 
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Princess_Beatrice_of_York) , who wore a piece designed by the Irish milliner _Philip  Treacy_ 
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Treacy) . The unusual shape and colour 
caused quite a media stir and went on  to become an internet phenomenon with 
its own _Facebook_ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facebook)  page._[2]_ 
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fascinator#cite_note-1) _[3]_ 
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fascinator#cite_note-2) _[4]_ 
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fascinator#cite_note-3)   Princess Beatrice used the publicity to auction it off 
on _eBay_ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EBay) , where it garnered 99,000  
Euros. The sum was donated to charity by her._[5]_ 
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fascinator#cite_note-4) _[6]_ 
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fascinator#cite_note-5)  
In 2012 _Royal Ascot_ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Ascot)  announced 
that  women will have to wear hats, not fascinators, as part of a 
tightening of the  dress code in Royal Ascot's Royal Enclosure._[7]_ 
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fascinator#cite_note-6)   In previous years female racegoers 
were simply advised that "many ladies wear  hats."_[8]_ 
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fascinator#cite_note-7)      
 






Joyce  Kane
_www.KraftersKorner.org_ (http://www.krafterskorner.org/) 
Blindhands at AOL.com