Louise Black Inspires My Feathers

Louise Black doesn't seem to need the PR.  She's in the middle of fashion school finals, and a bit bogged down by the combination platter of school and a successful Etsy store.  If I was a nice person, I'd leave her alone. 

I try to be nice, but the thing is, her work with feathers on fascinators is just beautiful.  I can't help myself.  It's like I've tasted millinery heroin and I really just want more.  MORE MORE!  So you see, I'm driven to obsession by this beautiful work, and I can't help myself.  I don't care that she's insanely busy making corsets (which are also beautiful...

a side note about corsets: if you've got lower back problems, these things are amazing.  Don't disparage the corset, they can be wonderful for feeling good.  And Louise Black's corsets are gorgeous. But I'm not here to talk about corsets.)

This is the headpiece that made my heart originally go all a-flutter.

Just look at that.  Wow.  What style.  What amazing eye-candy. Somebody else thought so too.  It's sold.  But maybe if we all wish really hard she could make another one. 

Here's from her description:

1920s silent films have always been a big inspiration to me. One of my favorite silent films, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, was the direct inspiration behind this piece and several of the others I currently have up for sale.

Made for my recent graduation fashion show, this spectacular head piece has 25" and 28" long, black and white striped pheasant feathers trimmed at the base with 2 large jet black ostrich plumes and greenish/black coque feathers. The focal point of this piece is a black taffeta rose with leaves topped with an antique art deco, steel cut buckle. I've hand-sewn Victorian era jet glass beaded fringe to the bottom of the flower.

This piece has been hand sewn and secured to a hair comb and is actually meant to be worn in longer hair that can be tied back/up and secured. In this photo the comb is sitting in my hair and is secured with bobby pins. The entire piece measures about 31" long. Worn once for a fashion show but is still in new condition.

Dramatic Avant Garde Film Noir Inspired Feather Head Piece used to be for sale at LouiseBlack's Etsy store. If you want one, you might have to commission it.

There are others though, that we can dream of possessing.  Check this out:

Flapper girl Clara Bow was my inspiration for this Ziegfeld Follies style hair comb, which was part of my recent graduation fashion show collection.

This fascinator is 7 peacock feather tops attached to a white fabric base that has been sewn to an antique rhinestone encrusted centerpiece. The rhinestone centerpiece is made up of a section removed from a 1930's dress trim, an art deco brooch, and many more swarovski crystal rhinestones. The entire piece has been securely sewn to a hair comb.

Oh My Yes.  It's so very showgirl.  I'm more of a Busby Berkeley gal, and I can imagine it there too. 

I would LOVE to walk into a room wearing this.

Clara Bow's Ziegfeld Follies Inspired Peacock Fascinator Hair Comb is available from louiseblack at her Etsy shop.

I really need to learn to make fascinators. 

Here's one more:

Again, such an incredible use of feathers.  So much style. 

This particular piece is fashioned from burgundy ostrich plumes, with a curled feather base attached to a hand-cut antique metallic lace corsage. I've attached turn-of-the-century pink tassels to the base of the corsage and topped it off with a Military inspired, vintage Roman Soldier brooch. The entire piece has been sewn to a 3 layer metallic mesh sash that wraps around the head and ties at the base of the skull.

The Burlesque Feather Headband is available from louiseblack at her Etsy Shop.

(Emily)