Elizabethan Inspired Hairstyles Practical

In this week's practical with Helen, we were using the skills we had learnt in Lottie's lesson on buns and plaits to create our own Elizabethan inspired hairstyles. I was inspired by the Elizabethan fashion, especially the bodices like this one:

Mary Queen Of Scots
by Unknown artist
oil on panel, transferred to canvas, circa 1570
NPG 96
National Portrait Gallery
viewed 17/10/2014
available from:http://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/person/mp02996/mary-queen-of-scots

I wanted to somehow include the way they laced the corsets, so I decided I would lace the hair with ribbon. 

 By creating a centre parting and French plaiting, this gave the impression of padding when the hair was slack. I tried this look with and without twisting the fringe, to experiment with what made it look more Elizabethan. Personally I prefer the rolls at the front of the hair. 

 I twisted a front section of the hair to give the impression of 'Rats', and entwined it into the plait.

 After i had completed both french plaits on either side of the hair, I then sewed ribbon into the hair, in the 'X' formation the Elizabethans used when tying their corsets. I really enjoyed experimenting with this look, and using different materials in the hair.

Catwalk braids decorated with Ribbon.
http://iliveforit.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/jewls-13-new-creative-hairstyles-for.html

Braiding Ribbon through hair, particularly Plaits has been seen on the runway of catwalk shows for years. It adds more decoration to the hair than just a simple braid or plait. The ribbon can either add a more contemporary feel to the hair, or can add a more historic feel, (see images 1+2 above). Not only can ribbon be used in the catwalk, but everyday. It can add a touch of colour to the hair, or a bit of fun.