Le Colonel, C’est Qui?

So, qui est Le Colonel? Surely he’s not some mustached, dastardly strict military commander dressed in a starchy mustard-colored uniform. Rather, he presents his softer side in the most unconventional (for someone of his rank, that is) way: Le Colonel has a penchant for military-inspired embroidery, for delicate lace, and touches of elegant plaids. All of which are combined in a mélange of accessories Blair Waldorf would covet and collect: hair accessories. Even the picky (Miss Waldorf comes to mind almost immediately) will not hesitate in calling one of the many headbands and decorative pieces their own.

But who, you may ask, is the colonel? ‘Tis none other than the French designer Julia, whom was so sweet when she emailed me; the passion in which she had for her new line (not to mention, how adorable she was in her questions!) had drawn me into the brand. It was from her fabulous French self, and a touch of ingenuity, that came a line of assorted headbands and hair pieces, all of which suit different personalities, styles, and occasions, all in such unique designs.

the images i conjure when i see Le Colonel’s headpieces. [alberta ferretti, spring/summer 2009

Somehow I think of the legendary,  r o a r i n g  ‘ 2 0 s  when I browse through her site and products; perhaps it is the color scheme of the site and the aged effect of the photography, or the delectable set of headbands flappers would be seen wearing at late-night soirées – or simply a combination of both aspects. Either way, her collection of accessories and the aesthetics of her new website has be daydreaming of one of my favorite periods in American history; smokey images of flappers in fringed, sequined dresses donning the Tsarine over their bobs. Long cigarettes between their fingers in a blasé manner whilst dancing (or chatting away with mysterious, handsome men like Gatsby) in dark bars. Muffled jazz music is in the background, and a bit too much wine is served.

The Tsar and the Tsarine are two of my absolute favorites of the entire collection; imagine it for day or night, how regal and mysterious it would look? A bit coquettish, I think, when the Tsar is worn in the evening with some LBD for a night out – the random beading, cascading and crowning the forehead in such a unique manner, along with a blue jewel at the band that creates a gorgeous effect of nighttime. A bit like wearing a tiara – only much more. The Tsarine is the prettier version; a bit more innocent and angelical in a sense, but still seductive in that mysterious way. Le sigh; I want both!

The Cabaret. Do picture a new scene: the same smokey jazz lounge past midnight; the trumpet blows, the lights dim, and the velvet curtains open to reveal the dancers of the night. Cabaret dancers, clad in slinky black leotards, fishnet, heels, and a mink shrug around their shoulders, the Cabaret headband gracing their hair. The Cabaret truly is, well, cabaret in essence – the blackness, the feathers, the bead strands that crown the forehead. Exotic and seductive would be the proper adjectives. And then, the paradox of the seductive Cabaret is the Coco headband. So pretty for summer; a touch romantic, a touch Victorian. A headband Blair Waldorf would be quite proud to own.

And last but not least, the Cherry Liberty. The wide length of the headband is what sets it apart from other of its species, giving it a bit of a country girl-gone-sophisticated look. The juxtaposition of the materials and prints is done to perfection; the innocence of flower prints and pink flowers contrasted by seductive black lace and black flowers. Truly a gorgeous hairpiece to slide on for a finishing touch.

alberta ferretti, spring summer 2009

An aside: the lookbook images are absolutely delicious! Reminiscent of a touch of the twenties flapper era with  M o u l i n  R o u g e  in bohemian Paris. So, so gorgeous [gushes over the details!] !!

.   .   .

Bisous,

La C.

P.S.: Thank you, Miss Sushi for “The Lovely Blog” award! And much thanks to the super chic Brigadeiro Chic for being so generous with giving me the “Adorable”, “Unique & Chic”, “Proximity”, and “Lovely Blog” Awards! Merci beaucoup!