After my post regarding the flawlessly chic, vintage wedding of Kate Moss and her absolutely stunning veil, I had a mini Juliet cap veil infatuation!

As a bride I chose not to have a veil – now I wonder why?! (although I still adore my deco inspired asymmetric hairband!) The incredible Vera Wang says “The wedding veil is at once sacred and seductive” and I couldn’t agree more – especially some of the glorious veils I came across, they would simply be the crowning accessory for any vintage inspired bride!

Today, the Juliet Cap Veil is associated with the 1920s and 30s and images of Brides with huge oversized bouquets, wearing gorgeous silk bias cut wedding dresses but it was originally fashioned in the 16th Century! The name actually stems from that most romantic Shakespeare play ‘Romeo and Juliet’ – original drawings of Juliet depicted her wearing a cap that fit neatly to the top of her head.

Since its popularisation in the 1920s, some of the most chic and elegant women have chosen a version of the Juliet Cap veil for their big day, including……

The epitome of chic, Jacqueline Kennedy in 1953

Linda Christian when she married the suave Tyrone Power in 1949

And of course the beautiful and radiant Grace Kelly in 1956

And it seems it is having something of a revival today, as more and more brides (not just Kate Moss) turn to this icon of a bygone era to complete their wedding day look. Whilst merrily surfing the net for Juliet Cap Veils, I came across this divine real life wedding, on one of my favourite wedding blogs Snippet & Ink – a glorious site for brides to while away a few hours, gleaning ideas and inspiration.

(Ebony’s perfect fingerwaves and vampy makeup were done by Miss Mae)

Ebony and Andrew got married in the gardens of the Victorian Cottage at Kurrajong at the base of Sydney, Australia’s Blue Mountains. Both wore traditional attire of the 1920s era – Andrew in top hat and tail, Ebony in a stunning gown by Mr K and a fabulous vintage veil found on eBay no less!

To make her vintage veil everything she dreamed of, Ebony altered it a bit: “It was lovely but very plain. I had my heart set on a glamorous traditional veil worn by flappers of the art deco era and so I appliqued French lace all over the front of the cap and added three roses either side. The lace, roses and entire outer edge of the veil were hand-beaded. It took me around a month to complete.”

For anyone, without the skills and luck of ebony :-), wanting to re-create the look there are some fantastically talented designers creating vintage inspired veils. Some of my favourites are by Australian designer Johanna Johnson, who has a range of glorious veils (as well as dresses and other accessories) reminiscent of the art deco era, many of which are available to buy through her online store and can be shipped internationally (I love Johanna’s work and will definitely be featuring more of her designs in the not too distant future)

Lucy made of delicate French lace hand sewn onto cathedral length French silk tulle.

Vintage, exquisitely hand beaded with delicate gold beads. The floor length (180cm) Vintage veil is soft French silk tulle in Johanna Johnson ‘sand’ colour and is also available in cathedral length (250cm)

Milla – shown here with ‘Garland’ single hairpiece (sold separately)”

(The above 3 images from Johanna Johnson)

Delphine Manivet is a French designer very popular in her home country, she has a growing fan base in the UK, and also has stores in Japan and America. Excitingly Delphine is about to launch an online boutique, that will provide the opportunity to purchase Delphine Manivet accessories (veils, headbands etc) world wide. She has a truly vintage style and an incredible eye for detail……

(Image from Elizabeth Messina)

Couture Australian wedding designer Lisa Gowing also has a beautiful French lace edged mantilla veil in her range, which is I think a slightly more modern take on the Juliet Cap Veil – and it matches two of her stunning dresses (Clementine and Gwendolyn)

(Image source Lisa Gowing)

There are some wonderful retailers selling vintage and vintage inspired veils in the new Wedding category on Etsy…..

(Image source Sibo Designs)

(Images from Erica Elizabeth Designs)

(Image from Veiled Beauty)

(Image from Velvet Owl)

And of course, one of my absolute favourite bridal headwear retailers Twigs & Honey has sensational cap veils available (I’m sure I don’t have to say again that they offer international shipping)……

Oh they are just all too gorgeous! I would love to see photos from any brides inspired to wear a Juliet Cap Veil on their wedding day.

Amy

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