Fascinating for the July

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A fascinator by Brenda Quin of Diva in the Pavilion.

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The fascinator looks set to be the biggest head turner at this year’s Vodacom Durban July and designers and milliners are working feverishly to meet orders for the raceday on July 2.

Weird and wonderful designs at the British royal wedding seem to have inspired locals to go for the quirky headpieces as they go all out to interpret this year’s July fashion theme, “A Right Royal Affair”.

Boutiques and accessories stores are full of them, too.

“I have never had so many requests for the small ‘bonbon’ hats,” says Durban designer Sandy Day who has been making outfits for the July for three decades. “Fascinators are so ‘now’ and with the royal theme at Greyville, the trend will be in full force.”

Zandile Masondo, a presenter on uKhosi fm, who has been making hats for three years, says things are “hectic” in the run-up to the July.

“A hat or fascinator finishes an outfit and you can wear fascinators at night too. But choose something suitable – it must enhance what your are wearing. Keep your accessories and jewellery simple so they don’t detract from the hat.”

Designer Brenda Quin believes the fascinator is here to stay. “It is easy to transport and when choosing one, it should complement the garment you are wearing.”

Umhlanga milliner Lynette Douglas says anyone can look good in a hat or fascinator.

“When people say they cannot wear hats or do not look good in them, they just have not found the right hat,” she says.

“When designing a fascinator or hat, I asses the height of the client, ask how tall her companion is and look at the shape and size of her face to achieve balance.

“I often pick up colours of the outfit and use them in trimmings, like flowers, braid or veiling, which I make myself.”

How to choose a fascinator

Fascinators come in a variety of styles and shapes. Choose one that you are comfortable in and that suits you.

Plus-size women should choose a bigger fascinator to remain in proportion.

The rest is up to you.

How to wear one:

Fascinators should be worn on the side of your head, towards the front and at an angle. They should perch slightly above the brow, though if netting is involved, let it drape over one eye.

Tilt it about 3cm above your eyebrow.

Most come on a comb, but to make the fascinator more secure, clip with brown clips. Then shake your head to check it is secure. You can also secure it with elastic or hair pins.

If your hair is in an up style, you can wear it at the back of the head.

Style the hair around the fascinator – spray it, but be careful not to get hairspray on the fascinator. - Daily News

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