| Bridal Hairstyles & Headpieces Past & Present |
Karen Marie Shelton
Revised - 12/29/2000 |
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Introduction
I have to admit that I first started out to write a new article about bridal hairstyles
and the appropriate headpiece to guarantee major headturning at your weddings.
Along the way I discovered an interesting fact. The more bridal hairstyles and
headpieces change, the more they stay the same. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to dig
into the history of the way brides have evolved in their selection of bridal hairdos and
headpieces. During my journey for this article I discovered some fascinating information.
I save everything and have a terminal case of pack-rat-itis. This need to save
everything was very helpful when I decided to dig around for an old brides magazine. After
minimal searching I pulled out an old July/August 1994 issue of Bridal Guide that talks
about solving the bridal headpiece dilemma. Bingo. The right topic in days gone bye. Luck
was on my side. I also liked the fact that the 1994 bridal hairstyle/headpiece article
talked about the tiara headpiece as the "one headpiece that fits all bridal
hair" solution.
While I was pondering the fact that the tiara headpiece did work with short, medium and
long hair, straight, curly or updos, I stumbled across my new December 1998/January 1999
Bride's magazine that has an article on short hair bridal solutions. I decided I must be
living right to find two articles in two different magazines almost 5 years apart in time.
When I opened the 1998/1999 article I was amused to discover that one of the big
recommendations for short haired brides is the tiara because it is so versatile and can
work with just about any gown, any hairstyle and any hair length, color or texture. Like I
said. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Hmmmm, interesting. I stopped and opened up the 1994 Bridal Guide and found the four
major headpiece recommendations and the matching photos. Then I thumbed through the
1998/1998 Bride's issue and found photos of brides close to 5 years later with almost
identical headpieces and hairdos.
In a way, this was actually comforting. This means that in the future when I recommend
the tiara headpiece for long, medium or short hair, that it is a wonderful and timeless
solution.
I have included 4 photos of the time honored hairstyles and matching headpieces from
the 1994 issue of Bridal Guide and 4 photos from the new Brides issue from 1998/1999. I
suspect that the results will amuse, surprise and amaze you.
The Tiara Headpiece
The beautiful redhead wearing the lace tiara from the 1994 era has
long, thick and curly hair. The tiara works beautifully with her face and her gorgeous
curls.
The actual attached veil is not the highlight of the tiara headpiece, falling
discreetly behind her beautiful red locks.
Fast forward to
1998/1998 and you see a lovely brunette with a very short pixie cut sporting a more modern
version of the 1994 tiara. She also has the veil tucked neatly at the back of her hair.
The pixie is beautifully sculpted to highlight her delicate face.
Everyone has heard that a picture is worth a thousand words. The tiara headpiece photos
from 1994 and 1998/1999 speak volumes about the versatility and beauty of the tiara
headpiece for any length, style and color of hair.
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The tiara looks stunning with the 1994 lace version and just as stunning with the
1998/1999 jeweled version.
The key point to the tiara is the fact that is does not detract from any bridal
hairstyle or bridal gown but works in harmony with the hairstyle of the time.
T
he tiara
really is a "one headpiece fits all" wonder. I suspect that in 2010 when I am
still thumbing through bridal magazines to check out bridal hairstyles I will still see
the version of the "old faithful" tiara.
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Big Hair/Simple Veil
The ironic thing
about the two photos from the different eras is that the two brides look like they are
wearing almost identical "big hair" updos.
Big hair comes and big hair goes. The shape it takes is
always a little different but it always seems to come full circle.
Both brides have the focus of their style centered around a high crown of hair that is
simply adorned in the back with a plain veil that adds a very simple frame around the
hair.
This headpiece
which is basically just a simple veil made of tulle or netting works with very elaborate
hairstyles. With this type of headpiece the veil is a minor accessory and the hair is the
focus.
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In actuality, brides with very short hair can also pull off the simple veil look, but
generally the veil looks best placed higher up on the head, near the crown.
The simple
veil headpiece works great with elaborate bridal gowns since the veil does not detract
from the overall look.
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Circular Headpiece/Open Headband
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The only real
difference between the 1994 headpiece and the 1998/1999 version is the large bow at the
back of the 1994 version and the extensive lace used on the hatband.
This headpiece works
great with hair that is designed to be piled up on the head in big curls or ornate loops.
The 1998/1999
version has an almost identical hairstyle. The hair is carefully piled in curls with the
headpiece centered around the updo.
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The curls in the 1998/1998 version look a little
smaller and softer but basically the look is the same. Romantic hair is very popular for
1998/1999. Curls and updos that look romantic are perfect for a formal gown.
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Juliet Cap
The 1994 version is shown on a version of a short swingy bob. The
Cap has a lot of ornate lace and beads and is worn far back on the head with a thick spray
of netting for the veil. The cap looks great with the hairstyle which is worn plain, shiny
and with lots of movement. The cap is the focal point of this look.
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The Juliet Cap
headpiece looks very similar in the 1998/1999 version. The difference is how it is placed
on the head. In the newer version the cap is worn further up on the head near the crown.
This headpiece is also coupled with a short hairstyle that is a type of simple shorter do
that is pulled back off the face. The cap is more the focal point of the look as it was in
the 1994 photo.
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More Modern Versions
One trend that is very popular for 1998/1999 is no headpiece at all. The hair takes
center stage and may be dressed up with a special tiny jeweled headband, well placed
jeweled pins or possibly flowers. Back in the 1994 era it was rare to find a bride who did
not wear some headpiece. In the late 70s the long Spanish mantilla was popular and is
rarely seen in 1998/1999 times.
Timeless Hairstyles
The French twist do, or more elaborate versions, known as the French seam, remain
popular year after year. The 1994 and the 1998/1999 bride's magazines had many photos of
French twist versions.
Updos remain popular with curls and twists always a desired look,
especially for more formal weddings. A trend for 1998/1999 is to wear hair down with an
emphasis on shininess. It used to be that the majority of brides had some sort of updo,
waves or curls. For 1998/1999, brides are opting for soft curls that are compatible with
the new romantic hair looks ushered in with the movie, Titanic.
Summary
The more things change, the more they stay the same. The four bridal headpieces and
bridal hairstyles that are presented are shown from the 1994 perspective and the 1998/1999
perspective. This walk back in time has proved that some of the hairstyles and headpieces
are true classics that can be selected throughout time and look great.
Is there a morale to this story? For me it is to never throw anything away. I guess my
pack-rat-itis just got worse.
Best wishes.
Karen Shelton
The Hair Boutique |