The Complete Handbook of Fascinators

Chapter 1: Understanding Fascinators

Defining the Object

A fascinator is a headpiece worn for formal or semi-formal occasions. It is characterized by its structure, which relies on a rigid base and a secure fastening mechanism, and by its size, which is generally smaller than a hat brim and does not fully enclose the crown of the wearer's head. The distinction between a fascinator and a hat is not merely size; it is functional. A hat provides shade, warmth, or protection from the elements. A fascinator is a decorative object; it does not serve a protective function. It is a sculptural accessory, no more a hat than a brooch is a coat. Understanding this fundamental definition is the first step in selecting, using, and selling these pieces effectively.

In the commercial and retail world, the term covers a broad range of items. At one end, you have the classic cocktail fascinator: a small disc of sinamay or felt, perhaps 10 to 15 centimeters in diameter, affixed to a metal comb or a crocodile clip. At the other end, you have the elaborate "headpiece" worn at Royal Ascot or the Kentucky Derby, which might feature a substantial base of wire and horsehair, extensive featherwork, and a diameter of up to 25 centimeters. Both are called fascinators, but their construction, cost, and the physics of wearing them differ significantly. Disregard these differences at your peril, as the buyer who purchases a flimsy cocktail piece and expects it to survive a windy Churchill Downs