Ancestors

My first hat/headdress/mask collection:

Mesozoic

This mask/headband was one of the first ideas of the collection, in fact it sparked off the idea for collections name of 'Ancestors'. Mesozoic is the era that encompasses the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods where Dinosaurs existed.

Pounce

This hat was to make the link between the Dinosaur design and those that are bird or feather based. The name inspiration is obvious, even more so when worn as the lizard is very animated.

Majesty

 Inspired by the diverse range of headdresses from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in particular those of  the Yaka and Pende people as well as the Bwami society of the Lega. The name signifies the importance of head wear as a representation of power.

Ara

Ara is the genera of parrot that the scarlet macaw belongs to, the same species that these feathers belonged to. Using them in head wear is reminiscent of South American styles where the macaws are naturally found.

Trove 

As the name suggests this is intended to be a a treasure pile of kinds but also a nest. Much like the magpie or the bower bird who collect coloured/shiny objects to adorn their nests/bowers.

Wildnernis

The German and Dutch variation of the world 'wilderness'. This piece is a combination of British and European birds and butterflies, combined with the famous Mohawk hairstyle which has been in existence from around 392 B.C. to 201 B.C. with a mummified corpse discovered in Ireland to back this up.

Pelt

The first of two masks, Pelt highlights the habit of animal print being associated with African mammals (except Tigers). There are also links here to the DR Congolese headdresses and their use of animal skin or parts. 

Era

 A collage of fossilised creatures with the name 'Era' being self explanatory.

Skulk

Apart from sounding extremely similar to skull, the most prominent material used, 'Skulk' is also the term for a group of foxes which the skull happens to belong to. I found, cleaned and treated it myself then wore it to the private view of Open Close pop up exhibition I shall blog about shortly. It's the only hat to feature a mammal part.

Slumber

 The second piece that deals directly with dead animal, 'Slumber' of course means sleep which is what some consider death. The way in which the sparrow is preserved allows it to sleep amongst the feathers of others. The sparrow itself was a present from when I left Southampton.

Images and Headwear by KLV

Christophe Coppens

Promotional fashion videos by Christophe Coppens

'The Collector' evokes thoughts of animal, anatomy, myth and the macabre.

'Women of the Fields' (feat. Roisin Murphy). Think adornment, rurality, nature and ritual.

 Various Coppens works

 

Ara - The Parrot

Having bought my ticket for the Hollywood themed party at the Cygnet Hotel, post to follow, I decided to assemble a statement piece for the occasion. Months ago I received bunches of feathers from a friend via Sea View Wildlife Experience (formerly Flamingo Park) and these included about six macaw feathers. I can't be certain but my best guess is that they belonged to a scarlet macaw (amongst the more well known), as depending on lighting all the primary colours can be seen much like in this particular bird. Anyway when it came to constructing a headpiece with these beautiful feathers I began with the standard hairband style using millinery wire much like I've posted previously and the gold stag detail is present thanks to Katie, which I think finished off the piece nicely and also helped me decide the wearing gold or silver jewellery dilemma! The name 'Ara' is also the genus of macaws to which the most famous belong. It is also a constellation, Latin for Altar and specifically that used by Zeus.

I love the effect my camera flash has on the feathers!

 

 

Images by KLV

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