rikardosterlund:

“Love Of My Father”, from Zara Carpenter’s new collection.

Here’s Zara story behind the hat:

This headpiece is made on a satin covered headband and sinamay base. It is adorned with a pair of pigeons wings, an adult pigeons head, nestled with a casting of a juvenile pigeon on a bed of fabric violets. The pigeon wing and head is covered in black fine glitter, representing ashes.

My father kept pigeons when I was young, he would send them off on long races and sometimes they won. He adored his pigeons. My father died when I was 15 which broke my heart and changed my life forever. Many people think pigeons are vermin but I love them and I always thought that is we did come back again once we die then maybe he would come back as a pigeon.’

Rikard Osterlund used one of my new headpieces in his latest photo shoot…. such a fabulous piccie.

(If you are interested in this headpiece please contact me)  

New Hat And My Cat

Finished my twisted willow headpiece today, its called “ Daphne” referring to the myth of the woman who turned into a tree

Bambi Is Back!

I have had so many requests for this hat, so here it is: “I Shot Bambi With My Bow And Arrow”

To buy please check out my Etsy shop www.etsy.com/shop/zaracarpenter

Work In Progress

I’m working on a new sculptural piece for an exhibition in November. 

Wore this 1930s birdcage veil to Laibach concert at The Tate Modern last night. So many well dressed concert goers, it was great for people watching.

I’m experimenting with new techniques, marbling this hat with fabric paints.

Sneak peek at the new purple orchid and butterfly hat

The Butterfly Net Hat

I made myself a birthday prezzie…. Yes I know it’s not my birthday yet but I couldn’t resist.

Finally finished my pigeon headpiece, it’s only taken me 4 and a bit months. This is a view from the back, a pigeons head and pigeon skull nestled together on a bed of violets and crushed butterfly wings. This piece represents the death of my father and it’s side effects, the loss of innocence and childhood. This piece is called “Father & Daughter”