The 21st Century Take on Elizabethan Plaits

Within the trend of the Elizabethan hairstyles, plaits and twists were often used to create raised and textured updo's. From the Elizabethan portraiture it seems as though the plaits are used to keep the hair out of the face, to hold pearls and jewels within the hair and help the creation of buns. 

With this in mind, in the 21st century plaits are seen in all shapes and sizes. Below are some images showing variations of plaits that have been created in the recent years.  The first image is a bridal look that includes wide, pin-like curls and pearl adornments. The incorporation of pearl-like items in the style is very Elizabethan yet the curls are much more modern than the tight, frizzy Elizabethan curls. The next image is of Rihanna wearing a large braid with her 'Rihanna Red' colour. Compared to the Elizabethan plaits, the length of Rihanna's plait is a contemporary trend as the Elizabethans are rarely known to have had their hair down past their ears. The fiery red tone of her hair, however, is a good relation back to the Elizabethans. The next image in an avant garde type hairstyle including plaits and buns. The two seperate buns on top of the head look like attachments or wigs, much like the historical hairstyles. However, the plaiting technique and hair colour is very different to our Elizabethan ancestors. Perrie Edwards is pictured next with a plait halo - much like a headband. In relation to Elizabethan adornments, this type of plait could be used in place of a French Hood for a New Elizabethan look. The final image is another bridal image but in this photo, the plaits create an updo. This updo is a good medium between an Elizabethan updo and contemporary style plaits.











Some contemporary advertising hair styles also incorporate the signature hair adornments of the Elizabethans. For example, this image of Beyonce in her O2 advert shows various Elizabeth hair techniques (frizzing and crimping) finished off with a crown, much like the portraits of Queen Elizabeth I. 

All these images will be great inspiration for creating a New Elizabethan hairstyle as they all incorporate and advance on historical techniques in a fashionable, contemporary way.

1 comment:

  1. may i use the beyonce picture for a project please ?

    ReplyDelete

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