Comments on: Fashioning Fashion’s Paper Wigs: How’d We Do It?

By: Audrey Burtrum-Stanley

Audrey Burtrum-Stanley — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:17:39 +0000

I saw the Jackie Kennedy Wardrobe Collection at the Corcoran Gallery in Washington, D.C. Naturally it was important to present her coif (she was such a style-setter with her bouffant-do) to compliment the apparel. The distinct hair styles also helped to serve in stressing the most important event (as she wore many of the clothes several times) she attended wearing the garment. Everyone knows what her hair looked like when she was present for JFK’s swearing-in… and it needed to compliment the displayed tan coat, dress and hat from that Jan. 1961 day.

Her hair-pieces (for the show) were fashioned from what resembled buckrum – layers bent and heavily starched or coated with a hardening substance. I thought the hair pieces were fascinating and was greatly impressed. Many were so stunning they almost merited a show of their own as ‘a form of art.’ Strangers in the crowd of visitors were all discussing the clever fabric wigs.

It is intersting to note how important this facet is in the overall presentation of any apparel – especially when trying to present a loooong ago perior or just a half century back. THANKS!

By: jenni

jenni — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 20:52:50 +0000

I wish I were in LA to see the exhibit. This blog posting is extraordinary. I can’t wait to show my HS students.

By: Connie Martin

Connie Martin — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 03:15:33 +0000

Sophia,

Wonderful wigs! I wish I could have been in LA to see the exhibit. How creative your team is.

By: Geri

Geri — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 03:40:49 +0000

Saw the exhibit yesterday. The fashions were amazing, but I was in awe of the paper wigs. They were elaborate, but so understated without color. It really added to the costumes without detracting from the outfits. Great job. It is interesting to read here how they were created.

By: Shoshana

Shoshana — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 20:28:03 +0000

This is fabulous! When I had to make paper wigs for a costume exhibition we jerry-rigged something out of printer paper strips and curlers made of pencils, so color me impressed.

By: Irina

Irina — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 07:45:55 +0000

AMAZING!!!!!!! Loved the wigs, and the whole exhibit. As a textile designer, children’s book illustrator and doll maker – I just couldn’t have enough of the visit to the exhibit, going in circles, trying to absorb it all. Wonderful presentation of a fascinating subject. Congrats on a job superbly done!

By: Laraine Lord

Laraine Lord — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 06:44:06 +0000

I love the idea of paper wigs. The would be good for stage work and puppetry as well. Great to show off headbands too!

By: Diane S.

Diane S. — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 17:49:20 +0000

The paper wigs are a great solution for looking correct for the period while not distracting from the clothing featured in the exhibition. I love the creativity of your exhibition team. Thanks for the behind-the-scenes stories.

By: Large Rugs

Large Rugs — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 15:55:16 +0000

Wow, especially like the use of the curling iron to make the hair. So intricate, we love them!

By: Kristi Strasbaugh

Kristi Strasbaugh — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 20:46:42 +0000

Love ‘em! In grade school we made big Hello Dolly type hats from posterboard & tissue paper-they were awesome, just like these wigs!!!!