Head Dresses

Elizabethan Head Dresses

In this blog I will be writing about different head-dress and hair pieces that would have been worn by different classes of people during the rein of Queen Elizabeth 1st. I have written about five different head-wears that would have been worn, what they are made of and how the designs came about. By researching different head-dresses I can either get inspiration for my final hair design and decide whether I would want to incorporate any of these accessories into my look.  

Snood:

In this blog I am writing about different types of head dresses and hair pieces that were very popular during the reign of Queen Elizabeth 1st. There were many popular head pieces such as the 'snood' (shown in the picture below). These items where mainly made by crocheting, which all varied as some were beaded, some tied off with string and others with elastic. Even though they were very popular during the Elizabethan era they did not originate there but in the Middle ages for a variety of cloth/netting that would cover the head. As well as serving a purpose of a decorative form they also served a practical purpose for women with long hair as it kept it in place when horse back riding. As well for the working class, as it would keep hair back whilst doing chores such as farming. 

   

French Hood:

The French Hood came originally from France and was very popular in the Elizabethan era, which has changed and adapted over time. The earliest version of the french hood was worn by 'Anne of Brittany' in the lat 15th century, it then became popular in England after 'Anne Boleyn' introduced it and continued to be worn by women until the end of the 16th century. The french hood is a stiff foundation wore far back on the head and the front of the hood was to curve around the forehead. As the hood was worn far back on the head it exposed a limited amount of hair at the front of the head and the back of the crown was raised into a horseshoe shaped curve over the back of head. It tended to be decorated with jewels and frills which showed expenses.

Chaplets:

Chaplets were garlands made of elements like flowers and leaves worn upon the head which symbolized a mark of honor or high esteem. They were most commonly worn by first time brides usually with their hand down and loose with orange blossoms and jewels in token of virginity. This is similar to the concept of Queen Elizabeth 1st wearing pearls on her outfits as in token to her virginity as pearl represent purity therefore meaning she is pure in everyday.

Coifs:

Coifs are caps made of white linen which could be worn by all classes under hoods or hats in the middle ages originally. In the 16th century it was one of the most common pieces of head-wear mainly worn by women but sometimes men. Its main purpose as it was a close fitting cap to kept warmth in, protect you from the elements and to keep hair out of ones face. They were mainly worn by lower class women to do chores as they were the most practical head-dress therefore I would not used this in my 'New Elizabethan' design as it was worn by the lower class and we are creating Elizabethan contemporary looks.

 Atifet:

The Atifet was a hat made for women and its overall design was based on the French Hood, it was not used in Elizabethan fashion until the late half of the 16th century as the French Hood had only just been introduced in the 1520's. The reason they are defined compared to the French Hood is because of there heart shape style instead of the even curve that the French hood has. As an added style sometimes lace or pearls were added to the 'Atifet' which was also worn by Queen Mary. 

 By Amelia Richmond-knight