Mercié Mercié

OH MY JAZZ!

My Marie Mercié ponyskin (sorry!) headband was an early birthday present and my new favourite

thing in the whole world. Perfect with candy pink lips.

Headpieces are so underrated these days, especially considering that not so long ago, it was absolutely

scandalous to be sen in public without one. I stumbled across this jazzy gem in Milan, in an INCREDIBLE

boutique on Via della Spiga called Alan Journo. If you ever find yourself in Milan, this shop is a must-see,

for the spectacle alone. There were a couple of Lady Gaga-esque headbands with half-naked Ken and Barbie

dolls frolicking on top... a veritable installation to balance on your head I must say...I tried!

My absolute favourite was a Stephen Jones couture screenprint headband, but unfortunately at *%$*?!! Euros,

it wasn't such a snip. Sigh...I long/dream for the day when I have my own personal milliner to be-hat me with

all sorts of insanity à la Isabella Blow (LEGEND.)

In the Shade

'King Wardour'

Aside from sneaking into shows, chatting up the fashion journo elite in the press lounge and trying to keep up with the impeccably dressed, trotting along with my camera as they hurried by, I spent a lot of time looking round the exhibition at Somerset House. One collection which particularly struck me was the J Smith Esq A/W millinery display, for each handcrafted piece was made from the finest of fine materials...think mink and muskrat, feathers, beads, lace and fur felt. At once gothic Victorian, theatrical and fantastical, these confections are not for the faint-hearted of fashionistas. Pure couture. Lady Macbeth would do them proud. Indeed, actress Helen McCrory was hatted by J Smith Esq for the premiere of Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland this week, the black veiled number was the perfect mad hatter accompaniment to her Vivienne Westwood dress. Justin Smith will soon be collaborating with Manish Arora ... I anticipate something sensational.

'Queen Compton'

'Goslett'

'Princess Livonia'

My favourite piece, made from iridescent scarab beetle wings.

TURBAN LOVE

Caught this picture on another blog earlier this week and since I've not been able to get headgear out of my mind. I've got turban fever!

This one goes out to my turban queen, m'lovely Audrey of Frassy Fame. Yes, I have a headscarf-bedecked girl-crush.

I myself have been getting creative with the odd head accessory or two...yes, i did indeed keep my new year's resolution and this will be my first customisation project DONE and DUSTED. There are two mesh and velvet dresses looming over me though, crying out for a big chop with the scissors and a hacked hem job to put a smile on their velvety faces. But that's another story.

See Audrey's style blog here

Madhatters...Come Dine With Me

Christophe Kutner via KnightCat

I just had to give in to a spot of photoshooting to showcase these Louis Vuitton-esque beauties which surfaced in Topshop. I was supposed to be Christmas shopping for family but, well, self-indulgence takes hold of us all, non?

She's got Flair

photo curiouser & curiouser

Just stumbled across the sheer genius that is this shot for Canadian mag Flair. When I have more time, ie. not any more bloody critical essays or 700 page books to read, my friend Jess and I are permanent-ly marking that headress-making session we pencilled in ages ago. I already have heaps of beading wire, black lace and feathers stockpiled, and This is guaranteed to be an inspiration. I will model them at a later date, fo sho, but I'm not guaranteeing any topless shots.