Having just returned from Midrealm Coronation/40th Year.....

[stitchjock]

I must be getting old and cranky -- or at least discovering new things to be old and cranky about -- because something annoyed me at this event which I don't ever remember being annoyed by to this level at any time before

Comments

[stitchjock]

I would say that headwear would go beyond hats, certainly; I apologize for what may seem to be an overly-narrowed definition. The Italian Renaissance is especially rich in headwear, but certainly not all about hats. The "hair hats" you mention are certainly in great usage; I've created a few of those over the years for friends. Actually, they're very useful for the SCA; you can get a partial or demi-wig and have it dressed so the hair is braided or wrapped close, taped or laced with ribbon or trims or jewelled, then have it stitched loosely and, if good care is taken with it, it will last for a very long time before it needs to be re-done. You can just pin your own hair back, put in a few pin curls for anchoring, then pin the hair hat on and you have an ornate hairstyle in literally a few minutes. I wish I saw more of this as it's perfectly appropriate and smart.

There are plenty of hats in the Italian Renaissance for women, though. I think some of them seem to be smaller because of the warmer climate. The ghirlanda of the early 15th century was very popular; it's a stuffed roll worn around the head which was often embroidered or jewelled and might or might not have a veil, with hair piled above or worn loosely below. The cuffia was a small hat often worn back on the head, usually stiffened with pasteboard and could be fairly ornate; the hair might be worn under or around it, and it was worn back to show the high (naturally or otherwise) hairline; this might also be worn with a sheer veil draped over it. The most ostentatious might be the balzo, a large somewhat globe-like headdress built over a willow twig foundation and covered with ruched fabric and stoned, or sometimes even false hair (another type of hair hat!). I've only seen my buddy Mistress Damiana in the East do this, and it is quite stunning; I'd like to see more of this as well. There's also that lovely large hat in the Francheschini (sp? Franchescati?) paintings with the large jewelled brim which name escapes me; it looks sort of like an overgrown men's Tudor hat.

But there's not just hats; there's also wraps, netted cauls, coifs, chaplets and turbans (Turkish/Moorish influence), taped hair, laced hair, braids, jewels, etc...it's a period really rich in hair ornament.

So headwear isn't just all about hats; I noted last weekend that your hair was very nicely dressed and perfectly appropriate -- and that's what I really want to see!

[haflagirl]

Thanks for all the awesome hat info. I shall have to get on the research wagon again. If I may be honest, I did *just* enough research on Italian Ren to make it look good and right... not enough to fully delve into the possibilities. Italian is what I do when I get sick of doing Ottoman all the time. Ottoman clothing is my main fixation for the "real"research. Perhaps it's time I opened books of a different nature, eh?

Thanks for the compliment on my hair hat. Although it's not the fanciest, I am very proud of the fact that it doesn't need a single bobby pin to stay on. I put a few in just in case, but I've worn it for hours before with zero pins and it didn't budge!!

[stitchjock]

You did indeed look good and right. I've never gotten on the Italian Dressing bandwagon, but not because I don't love it. Every once in awhile I think I need to put some together for myself, and someday I'll just do it. In my copious spare time. Which we all have.

[stitchjock]

Heh...I just noted in my icon I am *not* wearing a hat. I am wearing a bronze Laurel wreath, but you can't see it. Guess I need some new pictures...

[stitchjock]

I tried to put sparkly on, I did!!!

[haflagirl]

"In my copious spare time. Which we all have"

Indeed, we do. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm working on the lineup for the Midwest Tribal Mafia show. ;-)

[mstra_margarita]

I'm curious about the Francheschini you mentioned. I had no success Googling the name and nothing is coming to mind. Do you have a link?

[stitchjock]

It's a very famous couple of portraits, and I *know* you know them; I'm sure I've just butchered the name beyond recognition. I'll dig them up and send you a URL...

Late to the party, but...

[lyonessnyc]

I'd love to see a picture or two or the "hair hats" you mention. I'm always at a loss as to what to do with my hair. I'm so bored with snoods and simple braids and chignons!

As far as elaborate headdresses, I saw this one in a set of photos from 100 Minutes today, adn thought you'd find it interesting:

http://picasaweb.google.com/catelinelabroderesse/100MinsWar09#5406715088713623890