A Brief History of Feathers in Design
Creating a Feather Bouquet for your very special day may seem like a daunting task to begin with, but like anything break it down in steps and it becomes easier.
First things first, let’s talk Feathers.
Feathers have been used since the middle ages as a fashion statement when the aristocrats adorned their headdresses and masks with plumage and jewels. During this time period, only the truly wealthy could dress fashionably, therefore associating feathers with wealth and power.
Since this time, feathers have been consistently used to adorn women, giving them a vintage and sexy appeal. You can see this throughout history and even in todays culture from the cabaret dancers in Paris to the showgirls of Las Vegas. Feathers have also given women a soft, feminine look. It was very popular in the 1800′s to decorate a ladies hat with feathers or wear soft feather jackets or boas.
And today this look is making a return. Feathers are everywhere! And the look is bold! While accessorizing with feathers is still very fashionable, feathers are also being used as the main material in dresses, jackets and other clothing items, just check out any hot runway or fashion magazine. The feather trend is also sweeping brides off their feet left and right! Feathers are the absolute rage and there is no sign of the trend slowing, why should it? Feathers are soft, sexy, elegant and everlasting. They are simply beautiful and exotic.
Sorting Through The Plumes
There are many different types of feathers to choose from when designing your bouquet. Using different feathers can many times provide a completely different look. Here is a run-down of the most popular feathers that can be used in a feather bouquet.
PEACOCK FEATHERS
Peacock feathers are commonly know for the eye design produced on the end of each long tail. Every year the peacock sheds its outer layer of long tail feathers to make room for new growth and the feathers are collected to use in various fashion, design and interior arts.
Peacock tails are very long, ranging in size. The colors are a range of blue and green iridescent sheens. Peacock feathers can also be bleached and produce a softer white, ivory and tan color range while still keeping the traditional peacock eye design.
Other types of peacock feathers besides just the eye tails can be used in feather bouquets as well such as peacock swords
TURKEY FEATHERS
Turkey feathers are great to use in bouquets because they come in many styles and can be dyed any color. Turkey flats and turkey rounds are two of the most popular and easiest type of turkey feathers to work with in couture feather bouquets. In addition to turkey flats, there are also turkey marabou feathers which are very fluffy and soft.
OSTRICH FEATHERS
The light, wispy and romantic look of ostrich feathers are seen all over in weddings right now! Ostrich plumes are very elegant and make a huge statement. They can be died any color and are also a great feather to use in bouquets, whether using the entire plume, or just some of the wispy feathers.
GOOSE FEATHERS
Goose feathers are wonderful to work with and come in many different forms. One of these is the goose coquille feather which has a natural bend and is very soft. The goose nagoire feather is similar to the coquille but has a more polished look. Goose Biots are long and narrow and add great texture and depth to a feather bouquet. All goose feathers can be dyed to any color.
ROOSTER FEATHERS
Rooster feathers can be a great element in a bridal bouquet. They can be referred to as coque or hackle feathers as well. Rooster feathers can be dyed, but usually in only certain colors such as white or ivory since they have very rich neutral colors and designs already. Rooster feathers colors and texture work great in fall weddings.
Now that you have a brief summary of what types of feathers to use in your bridal bouquet, download the { 0 comments }
