Russian female headdresses

In the olden days Russia, hair was the symbol of strength and vitality. This is why it was so important to keep it safe and therefore cover. To have hair down meant to embarrass yourself and let your energy be stolen. This is why witches are always represented with messy undone hair. Additionally, females are only allowed to entre the Orthodox Church with covered head.

Hair braiding and wearing a headdress was an old tradition in Russia, the purpose of which was to attract attention of future husbands. Really, there was only one hairstyle in the olden days Russia – the low braid. The headdress was warn on top of the head and left the crown free, this was not only for the purposes of decoration, but also it served as an amulet against all evil and later on as a marital status of the female. In fact there is even a special term for the change of the un-married headdress for married, called “okruchivanie”.

The oldest and primary headdress was a metallic ring that went around the widest part of the head. Temporal rings and forehead metal ornaments were then clipped onto it.


I LOVE how much symbolism is carried in these beautiful accessories. I like, how there is a meaning behind it, apart from aesthetics. 

This is the concept I wold love to have in all my works - meaning and aesthetics together.


Originals





Influences on current fashion

Konstantin Gayday 

Hedy Lamarr being a star and wearing them

Atelier Haute Mode

Suki Waterhouse

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