An increasing fascination with fascinators is keeping Red Deer accessory designer Brandi-Lee Webber busy.
She said her nearly two-year-old business was steady before, but the intriguing headwear worn by guests at Prince William’s April wedding to Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, resulted in women of all ages wanting their own elaborate hair piece for a variety of occasions.
“Anyone can wear them,” the former florist said of her feathery creations.
Webber uses an array of material — satin, lace, taffeta, corduroy, burlap, feathers, buttons and more — to fashion eclectic hair pieces that have a vintage feel to them.
Clients’ personal mementoes are also incorporated into the custom handcrafted designs.
“I have a bride right now and her grandmother actually cut up her wedding dress and shipped her the lace from her wedding dress so I could make a hair piece with that lace.”
Items that represent the client’s personality are incorporated into the accessories, making each piece unique.
For example, news of her sister’s recent engagement left Webber dreaming of a hair piece that includes lechens, moss and bark. The woodsy elements will showcase her sister’s love for hiking, Webber said.
The self-proclaimed “vintage junkie” said her business, Perch Designs, was born out of a feathered hair piece she crafted for a friend’s wedding a few years ago.
She’s now as busy with local clients as she is with ones placing orders from as far as Vancouver and Toronto.
She believes hair pieces are becoming increasingly popular as people are looking for new ways to express their personality.
And she believes the royal nuptials helped the trend flourish here at home.
“Typically North America, especially Canada, is five to seven years behind any European fashion. But we’re kind of creeping in a little bit quicker than usual because of the royal wedding. It’s just going to really, really take over in the next few years.”
Webber’s other creations include feather bouquets and boutonnieres, garter belts, clutch purses, birdcage veils, belts and table decorations.
In addition to custom creations, Webber sells pieces at Muse and Urban Easel Hair Studio in Red Deer.
For more information, please visit www.perchdesigns.com.
ptrotter@www.reddeeradvocate.com