New Collection in the Works. . .

I have been so focused on the creation of new designs, my hands are temporarily inflamed with all the activity. . . .time for a break! We will have some exciting new statements for our late 2011 and 2012 brides, and I am eager to be able to share them.

Old English Proverb. . . "If you would like to be successful, wear a hat."

Be well and let us know if we can be of help in

bedazzling your world,

New Collection in the Works. . .

Royal Ascot - "Less is More" . . .

Hat Watch Bulletin (Oh, so British!):


"The good, the bad, the ugly". . .



This from Hilliary Alexander (Daily Telegraph Fashion Editor). . .

"Kate-effect. . . smaller hats, definitely. . . I think less is more. . . "

Day Three of Royal Ascot - Ladies Day. . . . let's not forget about the strength and beauty of the thoroughbreds and the skill of the jockeys . . . .

Australian actor, Holly Valance, chose one of my favorite looks at Ascot for its classic and elegant style . . .

Here's to creating your own timeless elegance!

Best,

Royal Ascot - "Less is More" . . .

The Pheasant Feather Hair Extension Trend. . .

Get Married.com

The crimping of pheasant tail feathers into hair is spreading across the country as the latest trend for summer fashion fun. The Get Married blog has suggested that brides consider this hair embellishment for themselves and bridesmaids for their weddings. . . a fun idea for a Bohemian, earthy event for sure. I am thinking, however, that this sassy statement is a great idea for other pursuits involving fun and the sun, leaving something more spectacular for one of the most important moments in our lives.

Thanks to Hair Goodness for this technique tutorial:

Why not consider a more expressive feather statement inspired by our avian friends? We would love to help you with these options. =)

Here's to sassy ways of stepping up the fun!

The Pheasant Feather Hair Extension Trend. . .

Barbara Walter's Hat Phobia. . .

Why, oh why, is it so difficult for some to draw attention to their heads/faces by framing it in a gorgeous hat or fascinator? Why are some reduced to adolescent sarcasm when faced with the 'chapeau challenge'?!

"I'm stuttering because it is very boring trying on hats." (The psychologist in me doubts this explanation.) "We don't wear hats in this country." (Speak for yourself dear. You aren't important enough to speak for all of us.) Please, Barbara, get over yourself. Its just a hat. You should be able to control it (think sophistication), not let it control you.

Wishing you an inner peace that allows you to pull off the revived accessory of the century with verve and flair!!

Barbara Walter's Hat Phobia. . .

Bridal Star Hairstyle Magazine Feature's Breeziway Designs

Have you chosen your gown and now focused on accessorizing? Considering your hairstyle and headpiece/veiling options can be a source of concern, but there are resources to help you. The Celebrity/Star Hairstyles Magazine released its annual Bridal volume recently, and it is a must for the bride! Another resource is a favorite website of mine available here.

We are thrilled to have the Editors feature our Simona and Meadow in this year's fantastic volume of Bridal Star Hairstyles Magazine.

"Minimalism is out and retro flair is in, according to Sandra Nagel Whitworth of Breeziway LLC in West Bloomfield, MI. "It's an exciting time with options to consider beyond the tulle veil, tiara, or hair jewelry that have dominated for years," Whitworth says. Her suggestion? Try a bridal hat like Breeziway's Simona . . . "

Pick up a copy today for hundreds of ideas to consider, and feel free to send an email or give us a call. We have been too busy to post our new earring and bracelet designs in our online shop, but know that we can share these ideas with you if you wish. Some of our headpiece designs use crystal/pearl motifs that can be incorporated into your jewelry. We are here and ready to help you work through the planning and creation of your final details.

Happy planning, 2011 brides. . .
We hope you enjoy every moment of it.


Best,

Bridal Star Hairstyle Magazine Feature's Breeziway Designs

The millinery arts are alive and well in Hollywood, CA as evidenced by the dizzying Hollywood Legacy fashion show that took place this past October in association with LA Fashion Week. From the classic elegant designs of veteran milliner, Louise Green, to the sassy playful looks of new designer (Project Runway - Season 8), Mondo Guerra; there was something for everyone!

Louise Green

Mondo Guerra

Enjoy some highlights of this amazing show. . .

Although this video is marked on YouTube as the Spring, 2011 show, it is the Fall, 2011 show.

The Millinery Guild

Hollywood, California, United States

The Millinery Guild of Southern California is a membership group of Professional Milliners organized to foster interest in Hats, Millinery and Hat Wearing through Lectures, Instructional Workshops and a variety of classes in all aspects of traditional and contemporary millinery. We will sponsor activities, sales, Fashion Shows and charity events.

It is inspiring to see what this guild of 14 millinery designers has been inspired to organize. This was the guild's 2nd runway show, and I hope to see more such events in Southern Cal, as well as other US locations. It is time for the fashion world to recognize the importance of millinery contributions, as well as time for us to again recognize the importance of and fun in framing our most important assets, the true seat of our unique selves. Why would we pay more attention to the style at our feet than the style about our faces and heads? The mind boggles.

Watch out for those mouse traps!

Best,

Daphne Guiness - Model as Expressive Artist & Designer Muse

The New York Times has just published an interesting, reflective article by Guy Trebay about Daphne Guiness. We love her style; especially the attention she pays to framing her face & love of feathers. . . enjoy the photo essay, complied from Style.com, and Daphne Guiness' video, The Phenomenology of Body, below.

Photo: Greg Kessler

Spring 2008 Ready-to-Wear, Alexander McQueen - Backstage

Photo: Stephane Feugere

Paris Couture PartiesPhoto: Sherly Rabbani and Josephine Solimene

Costume Institute Party of the Year

Daphne Guinness, in Chanel couture, withVogue's Hamish Bowles.

Photo: Dafydd Jones / Courtesy of Purple PR

Nicky Haslam's Birthday Party

Photo: Stéphane Feugère

Stella McCartney Paris Store Opening Celebration

Photo: Sherly Rabbani and Josephine Solimene

The Costume Institute's "Model As Muse" Gala, Oscar de la Renta with Daphne Guinness, in his design.

Photo: Sherly Rabbani and Josephine Solimene

2009 CFDA Awards, Daphne Guinness, in Proenza Schouler.

Photo: Marcio Madeira

Spring 2010 Ready-to-Wear, Giles - Runway

Photo: Greg Kessler / FirstView.com

With her penchant for armor and feathers, the fashion muse Daphne Guinness has been to known to turn heads. But in her short film “The Phenomenology of Body,” the beer heiress cum director puts the politics of fashion on display. Taking the viewer through a revolving journey of how clothes have defined, constricted and liberated women throughout history, Guinness presents a stark catalog of vintage, new and costume pieces. The result — a spare and thoughtful voyage set to “Great Release” by LCD Soundsystem — reveals both the warrior and swan in Guinness. T magazine’s Web site unveils the exclusive short.

~ New York Times, Women's Fashions

Daphne Guiness, an interesting phenomenon indeed. . .

Best,

Daphne Guiness - Model as Expressive Artist & Designer Muse

Royal Holiday Fascinators. . .

Now we don our gay apparel . . .

Jezebel.com shares photos of British royal women (sans Kate Middleton) in their holiday attire. Love the fascinator hats! Other sources say that Prince William was at work with his search and rescue crew in North Wales, as Kate enjoyed the Christmas holiday with her parents in Berkshire, England.

For a few minutes there, Sophie, Countess of Wessex got the Middleton treatment and her every thread was scrutinized. And I gotta say, the woman can wear a hat like no one else in the current extended family. A little 30s, a touch Tyrol, a lot of weird: royal perfection.

Read more: http://jezebel.com/5718843/the-royal-family-dons-their-gay-apparel/gallery/#ixzz19d7XxU8J

The bad news: we have no Kate Middleton for ya. The good news: her future cousins rock a hat. Indeed, I find myself wishing Princess Eugenie had kept the rest of it simpler to let the topper shine.

Read more: http://jezebel.com/5718843/the-royal-family-dons-their-gay-apparel/gallery/#ixzz19d7rnNwP

Ditto Beatrice. Plenty of us commoners would love a chance — hell, a mandate — to wear a jaunty hat: for our sake, make it count.

Read more: http://jezebel.com/5718843/the-royal-family-dons-their-gay-apparel/gallery/#ixzz19d8Axkpn

Why not create your own mandate to wear a jaunty hatinator?

Royal Holiday Fascinators. . .

Jezebel.com hat posting. . .

It makes my heart soar to see a growing interest in millinery arts (i.e. hats!) in the states. We are allowing ourselves a limitless avenue of personal expression with this renewed fashion statement! My daughter shared this recent posting on Jezebel.com. Not only did I enjoy reading the comments about this lovely chapeau (probably made of silk chiffon). I lost myself in exploration of an eclectic array of fascinating stories. I will be adding this site to my newsletter list.

Teal Or No Teal
Aukland, NZ, December 26: A punter looks on during the Boxing Day Race carnival at Ellerslie Racecourse. These pictures always make me wish I had a fancy hat wardrobe, except I look weird in hats.
~Send an email to Morning Gloria, the author of this post, at commenters@jezebel.com.

Thinking of the warm, spring days now being experienced by our friends on the other side of the planet with some envy. . . and our friends experiencing harsh conditions along the Eastern seaboard of the states with concern.

Whether Chiffon or Wool Felt. . . enjoy your head-topper expression
and be safe everyone!

Jezebel.com hat posting. . .

Full Frontal Fashion's "Girl on the Run" - Chapter 1

The sensational new style site, Full Frontal Fashion, has released a series of fascinating videos focused on the Winter, 2011 season. This first chapter shares the frenetic & depressing underbelly of the major shows in Paris. The question is raised, "Is fashion falling apart?". It seems the once-upon-a-time apex of the Fashion world, Paris, is falling indeed. I don't understand the sagging crotch trousers worn by their hostess, Mademoiselle Agnes. They are so unattractive to my eye. . . and the comment, "I kiss your mouth, your neck, and your ass." What?! This is an interesting video; bad, bed hair & crassness taken to a classless extreme. . .

Oh my, let's get a grip!

This is an interesting number by Jean-Paul Gaultier, inspired by 1930's lingerie. LOVE the velvet turban.

Wishing you a tasteful experience and expression
this holiday season!

Full Frontal Fashion's "Girl on the Run" - Chapter 1

Pantone - 2011 Color of the Year

We share Pantone's recent Press Release below that announces its 2011 color of the year, Honeysuckle. We are loving this choice and think our version in the Magnolia design pictured below would be a lovely complement to any of the Dessy bridesmaid gowns in this exciting and rich color. Keep in mind that we custom dye materials in our studio, so most any can be made for your wedding in this color!

Pantone Reveals Color of the Year for 2011: PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle Energizing Honeysuckle Lifts Spirits and Imparts Confidence to Meet Life's Ongoing Challenges CARLSTADT, N.J., Dec. 9, 2010 – Pantone LLC, an X-Rite company (NASDAQ: XRIT), and the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, today announced PANTONE® 18-2120 Honeysuckle, a vibrant, energetic hue, as the color of the year for 2011. While the 2010 color of the year, PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise, served as an escape for many, Honeysuckle emboldens us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor. A dynamic reddish pink, Honeysuckle is encouraging and uplifting. It elevates our psyche beyond escape, instilling the confidence, courage and spirit to meet the exhaustive challenges that have become part of everyday life. “In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going – perfect to ward off the blues,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Honeysuckle derives its positive qualities from a powerful bond to its mother color red, the most physical, viscerally alive hue in the spectrum.” Eiseman continues, “The intensity of this festive reddish pink allures and engages. In fact, this color, not the sweet fragrance of the flower blossoms for which it was named, is what attracts hummingbirds to nectar. Honeysuckle may also bring a wave of nostalgia for its associated delicious scent reminiscent of the carefree days of spring and summer.” Honeysuckle is guaranteed to produce a healthy glow when worn by both men and women. It's a striking, eye-catching hue that works well for day and night in women's apparel, accessories and cosmetics, and in men's ties, shirts and sportswear. Add a lively flair to interior spaces with Honeysuckle patterned pillows, bedspreads, small appliances and tabletop accessories. Looking for an inexpensive way to perk up your home? Paint a wall in Honeysuckle for a dynamic burst of energy in the family room, kitchen or hallway.

Spirit-lifting, vibrant, festive, alluring, engaging,
confidence-building, dynamic, courage-building. . .
sounds and looks good to us!!

Best to all,

Pantone - 2011 Color of the Year

Kate Middleton (hat watch) . . .

I admire a woman who can confidently express her inner beauty while wearing a chapeau that is appropriate to the occasion. I will so enjoy watching more of Kate Middleton's choices in the years ahead. Her upcoming Princess status will certainly give us plenty of opportunity to eaves-drop. I hope that she will thrive with this attention!

I love this hackle design. . . makes me more confident to introduce a design that has been setting in my holding cupboard for awhile, waiting for a bolder moment!

Its just about time for our winter caps. . . Are we ready?

Best,

Kate Middleton (hat watch) . . .