My Design inspiration

I got my design inspiration from three images. I like the heart-shaped padding in the "Ermine portrait". I chose to create a heart-shaped padding as I get more of an Elizabethan feel from it. I also believe it looks more creative then the round padding.

I knew straight away that I wanted to include pin curls in my design as I had the idea of putting a pearl in each pin curl from the start. The look of pin curl that I wanted to included was similar to that of Anna-Marie Duffs portraying the 'Virgin Queen'.

At first I wasn't sure how I wanted the back of the hair. But with a bit of research and a lot of different ideas I thought to myself I have a lot going on at the front and this took my model a good hour to complete, so I wanted something simple at the back, but at the same time, Contemporary. So I decide to do a normal plait, but with ribbon plaited through the plait and a few pearls in the plait as well. Then to neaten this hairdo up I thought a bun looked nice to complete the look.

I wanted the plait to look similar to that of Ashley Simpson's hair at New york Fashion week.

"The Ermine Portrait" 

by an Unknown Artist, c. 1585

http://www.elizabethan-portraits.com/Elizabeth_3.htm

[Viewed on 5 December]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1078845/

The-picture-shows-Queen-Elizabeth-I-plain-Jane.html

Anne-Marie Duff portraying The Virgin Queen

[Viewed on December 2014]

Model Ashley Simpson

New York Fashion Week

http://www.hair-styles-secrets-revealed.com/hair/

4331/ashlee-simpson-with-plaited-bun-hairstyle/

[Viewed on 5 December]

Elizabethan Head coverings

Coif

Elizabethan-Tudor Coif
Available on http://www.thistlebees.com/basefile/hats-basic-01.htm
sit by: Alum bank Web
[Viewed on 4th December 2014]

A Coif is a head covering that the Elizabethans and tudors started wearing in the 16th century and into the 17th century.

A Coif is a close-fitting cap made of white linen, the more wealthy people wore silk Coifs.

A Coif was mainly worn for decoration in the Elizabethans times by the more upper class, wealthy and respected people as well as worn for warmth and keeping hair out of the face.

As the century progressed the Coif got smaller and smaller until they barely covered any hair. A few man also wore them.

Most coifs were made from white linen, silk for the rich. Some tied under the chin.

Caul

Eleanor of Toledo portrait-caul

by Agnolo Bronzino, c. 1550,

 (Wallace Collection, London)

Available on: http://www.elizabethan-portraits.com/Various_4.htm

Oil on Panel

[viewed on 4the December 2014]

Cauls were very popular in the elizabethan Era, however they did not originate from the Elizabethan times they originated in the middle ages.
Most of them were crocheted, but some were beaded and some were tied with strings whilst others were elastic to keep them fitted to their head.

They were easy to use and less time consuming if you were busy and wanted to keep your hair our of your face.


French Hood

French Hood-Anne Boleyn

Oil on Panet

Available on http://www.elizabethancostume
.net/headwear/frenchhood.html
[Viewed on 5 December 2014]

The French Hood was a fashion accessory that obviously started in France, and Anna Boleyn was the one that introduced the French Hoods into England. The reason being was when Anne Boleyn was in court in France she adapted to the French fashion and brought this fashion back with her.

The hoods maintained their shapes the structure was made out of wires.

French hoods were worn from 1530 to 1580 and were one of the longest-lasting types of headwear of the 16th century. However throughout the years the the french hood become smaller and more delicate. 

By the time Elizabethan came to the throne was hood was then known as a 'billiment' apposed to a hood. This was more delicate as it was decorated with pearls, lace, stone and even gold jewellery.

Pillbox hat

Portrait of a Lady of the Elizabethan Court, c.1595
By William
Available on http://www.1st-art-gallery.com/william/portr
ait-of-a-lady-of-the-elizabethan-court,-c.1595.htm
Oil Painting on Canvas
[View on 5 December]

The Pillbox hat started to become popular in around the 1595, in the early years of Elizabeth's reign. The main use of these hats were used for a sign of wealth and good presentation, keeping their hair neat and the curls in place.

The pillbox Hat looks like a round, flat hat, that fits to the back of the hair. The hat was made from thick paper and starch, this held the shape of the hat together. 

Only the wealthy people could afford this type of hat due to the pearls, jewels and gold embroidery pattern on the hat.

Attifet 

1578 – Mary Queen of Scots by 

by Nicholas Hilliard

Available on http://trystancraft.com/costume/

2012/01/29/elizabethan-wired-caps-preview/

[Viewed on 5 December 2014]

The is an Attifet. A heart-shaped fashion accessory headdress that originated in France was the fashion in the 16th and 17th century.

This was first worn by Mary Queen of Scots and Catherine de Medici.

This hat has its structure by a wire frame going around the outsides of this hat. This accessory was mainly in a white colour, however they did have black ones but they was known as a widow's hood. This was also an accessory that belonged to someone of a high class background as they were usually made of silk, linen, lace and pearls.

Source:


http://trystancraft.com/costume/2012/01/29/elizabethan-wired-caps-preview/

http://www.1st-art-gallery.com/william/portrait-of-a-lady-of-the-elizabethan-court,-c.1595.htm

http://www.elizabethancostume.net/headwear/frenchhood.html
http://www.elizabethan-portraits.com/Various_4.htm
http://www.thistlebees.com/basefile/hats-basic-01.htm

Alexander McQueen-My inspiration and modernised elizabethan

Alexander McQueen-Spring 2010 Ready-to-wear

Spring 2010 ready-to-wear

http://www.bellazon.com/main/topic/24257-anastasija-kondratjeva/
Alexander McQueen
[Viewed on 5 December 2014]

                                        

Lee Alexander McQueen, known as Alexander McQueen. The founder of his own Alexander McQueen label and Ex worker chief at Givenchy from 1996 to 2001.
He has also achieved four British Designer of the year awards as well as the CFDA'S International Designer of the year awards in 2003.


This hairstyle of Alexander McQueen's inspired me, made me realise I would like to experiment in creating a heart shape padding in my final hair design. When I look at this picture I think of contemporary Elizabethan as I believe some creations have been made copying the Elizabethan times. For example the hair is an over exzagerated version of an Elizabethan heart shape padding and the colour is definitely Elizabethan. The plait makes me think more so of the more modern times.
Looking at this image, it looks like the shape of the hair is created by wires apposed to padding. 

Alexander McQueen – Plato’s atlantis spring/summer 2010

Alexander McQueen omaggia Alien

http://www.theideasmachine.it/la-visione-di-h-r-giger-nella-moda-di-alexander-mcqueen/
Model-Magdalena Frackowiak

Designer-Alexander McQueen
[Viewed on 5 December 2014]

This photograph to me looks like the side of an alien with a big head, or even a brain on the head.

I can see a comparison between these two images. I think the plaits have been made tight and in that position like that to make the illusion of the skulls of Giger's creations. Even thou these two images have a similar comparison I can also see an Elizabethan Hairdo in the image too.

The colour, padding, tightness of the plaits and the textured frizzy hair coming from the side and underneath makes this image look Elizabethan.

Also the make-up looks quite pale here which adds an Elizabethan feel to it.

Modernised Elizabethan hair

Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse signature meth to be rolled out alongside Bob Marley’s marijuana (no date). The Sceptic

Available at: http://www.thesceptic.co.uk/4/

[Accessed: 5 December 2014]

Above is Amy Winehouse. She was an English Singer/Songwriter until she sadly passed away in 2011. 

She wasn't just known for her music, but also for her beehive hairdo shown above. Her hair to her was like her crown, and glory.

Amy's hair dresser was Alex Fodden, he was the creator of Amy's trademark beehive huge hairdo.

I am including Amy's hairdo on my blog as I believe she could well possible of been the new Elizabethan as she had started trend to all of the young girls and at one stage everyone wanted the 'Amywine house' style.

This is the hairstyle a lot of women had in the Elizabethan Era and she brought the fashion out again to thousand of woman.

Its the padding and the big thick hair that makes me think of the Elizabethan Era.

To Design Beyoncé’s Tour Costumes. 
http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2013/04/12/beyonce
-tour-costumes-designed-by-dsquared2---the-mrs-carter-show
[Accessed: 5 December 2014].

This to me shouts out Elizabethen. Everything about this reminds me of my research during this project.

Firstly, the hair looks as if it has been crimped with loads of backcombing in, or padding. If Beyonce's hair was red then I would automatically think that this picture was taking in the Elizabethan Era as Crimped red hair was a popular hair style back in the Elizabethan Era.

The crown on her head and the Gold outfit covered in jewels makes this picture look obvious to royalty, as well as most things are covered in Gold.

The chair behind is also a give-away that this picture is to do with royalty and the Queen.

The blue silk over her arms was very expensive in the Elizabethan times, as only the nobel ones would be able to afford silk.

There are birds on either sides. These birds look like Peacocks to me. In the Elizabethan Era peacock feathers were very expensive and only the model, wealthy people would have them. Back in the Elizabethan Era each animal has it only symbol. Some symbols of birds were longevity and wealth.

The Gold item that Beyonce is holding automatically makes me think that she is in charge and has all the power.

The only thing in this picture that makes me think of a contemporary style is the shortness of the dress and the high boots. Short dresses are more of a modern thing and so were high boots.
The fact that the boots are Red makes me think of a little Elizabethan as the colour red is the colour of romance and royalty.

Nicole's assesment-Sarah-Louise Leftly (Designer) and Nicole Hackett (MUA) Review

Today was the day of Nicole's Timed Assessment, where she had to create my Contemporary Elizabethan hair design that I created in a certain time. Nicole turned up very prepared for the Assessment and I couldn't tell she was nervous at all. 
I felt that Nicole struggled a little bit trying to achieve a perfect heart-shape, because the back view of the hair was a perfect heart shape but when you looked at the heart shape from the front it looked a bit wonky. Even thou it wasn't a perfect heart-shape I was still happy with the end result as it was a big job and I did incorporate a lot of techniques in one hairdo. However, for Nicole to of achieved the perfect heart-shape I believe she could of looked in the mirror more, at the front of the padding, instead of just focusing on the back of the heart shape.
Overall I would say Nicole did a good job on my hair and followed my step-by-step exactly how I asked.

These were the photographs produced on the day of the assessment

Designer-Sarah-Louise Leftly

Hairstylist-Nicole Hackett

Photographer-Nicole Hackett

My partner practicing crimping and pin curls for my design

When me and my partner, Nicola swapped designs she was a bit worried about the pin curl part of the style as she had never tried pin curls before. But with a little practice Nicola soon got the hang of it.

Nicole thought it may be a little easier to curl the hair before creating the pin curls as it would already be curly. In fact, she found it easier without using the curlers.

 Right side of the hair completed with pin curls

Nicola and myself was very happy with her first attempt of creating pin curls. The only feedback Nicole received from Lottie (our teacher) was to try and hide the pin curls a bit more next time so the camera does not pick the grips up.

Introduction to project brief

My first hair project here at Southampton Solent University will be look at Elizabethan hair styles and research of how the hair has changed since that Era. I will be designing a contemporary Elizabethan hair style for my partner to create and my partner will be designer a style for me.

Before I started here at Southampton I had only ever washed and blow dried the hair and self taught myself the basics of creating a bun and using heat equipment on the hair such as, curling with tongs and crimping.

Therefore I was excited to take on the challenge as hair was something new to me.

Due to my lack of experience in hair, I got a bit nervous knowing I had to design and create a historical Elizabethan hairstyle. However, everyone has to start at the bottom somewhere and work their way up. I choose to aim for the very top and learn everything their is to know about hair and the elizabethan Era. 

I will also be putting 100% effort into this corse and turn my weakness's into strength's and achieve a high standard of work to prove to people that anything is possible.

I cannot wait to see the outcome at the end of this project and cannot wait to start learning all about the Elizabethan Era.

Possible final looks!

Three possible final looks

We have to design three contemporary elizabethans look that have to choose from for out hair assessment.
The three designs all incorporate either pearls or gold ribbons as this is a sign of wealth and nobility and in the Elizabethan Era only the wealthy people could afford this.

First Look

This is the first look.
I just love this style as it is my own style that I have created for my design and this was my first attempt. This will probably end up being my main design.
To achieve this look I created tight barrel curls around the from section on the hair, then I turned these tight barrel curls into pin curls.
The middle section of the hair I have created a volumed look but using padding.
However, after my heart shaped padding class with Lottie today went so well, I have decided that I would like to change my idea and have this style with heart shaped padding apposed to just round.
The back section of the hair I have crimped. I haven't actually completed the design here yet, but I was thinking of making the bottom, crimped section into a fishtail plait. I would also place pearls inside the pin curls, as pearls are popular for the wealthy person in the Elizabethan Era.
Alternative
However, if my partner  is not comfortable with completing this look then I believe the original style (as shown in the picture above) with the the normal round shape would still be a good idea as this will be easier for them to accomplish.



Second look

(no date c). 
 http://www-static.weddingbee.com/pics/112546/wedding_hair.jpg
[Accessed: 5 December 2014]

This hairstyle is very elizabethan as she has big hair and tight curls. Also at the bottom, the hair is going up like a French plait.

I like this look as it is very simple, but I believe it can still work to be a contemporary Elizabethan look. I would like to mix it up a bit with ideas of my own and incorporate gold ribbon (sign of wealth and nobility) going up into the hair on the plait. Maybe also scattering pearls around the top of the hair.

Alternative:

If my partner is not comfortable with the French plait, I will alter this look with normal plaits going into the hair.

Third look

(no date b). Gretchen Heber and Michelle Breyer, content.

 Available at: http://www.naturallycurly.com 

[Accessed: 5 December 2014]

This hairstyle makes me think of the Elizabethan Era because of the colour and the plait. Also this hair do is very big.

I am thinking of possible making this my final design. However, I will be adding a little more Elizabethan touch to this style. This would be by using ribbon to go along the French plait around the front of the head with pearls in each overlapped hair on the plait.

The rest of the hair would be curly and I would like a heart shaped make by padding on the top of the head, I would have this hair over the padding crimped.

Alternative

However, if my partner is not comfortable in creating the padded heart shaped look then I would be still like to see the French plait with the ribbon and pearls around the hairline.

The ribbon would be gold as I believe this represents Wealth, Nobility and the upper class.