The London based milliner Alexandra Harper embarked on an extraordinary adventure when she agreed to collaborate with the world famous film company, Disney. Her first collection was inspired by ‘Maleficent’, and the second was centred solely round the original Tinker Bell, from the old fashioned Peter Pan film.
Alexandra’s inspiration usually derives from nature, flowers, birds, art and photography, all hand crafted and hand finished, giving them that unique added personal touch. So basing her latest collections on Disney characters was something quite extraordinary.
Her penultimate collection was to tie in with the release of the latest film Cinderella, in an attempt to compliment the upcoming film, which premiered in the UK on the 19th of March.
Cinderella is such an iconic Disney character, every little girl and woman’s childhood favourite, a classic fairy tale. Growing up this love story is every females dream. I mean who doesn’t want to live happily ever after, with their very own Prince Charming?
“It’s amazing to be able to dream up a collection fit for a princess, especially one as iconic as Cinderella,” explains Harper.
Each piece from the enchanting Cinderella collection features Swarovski crystals, silk and feathers, sheer ostentatious extravagance. This micro-range which consists of five statement headpieces effortlessly captures the true essence and magic of Cinderella, each piece telling a story in itself.
All of the headpieces run a fluid princess theme accompanying the name Ella ; Ella’s Enchantment, Ella’s Garden, Ella’s Perfect Ending, Ella’s Night, and Ella’s Innocence. Each headpiece has intricate details including either blue butterfly wings, silk leaves, tulle, feathers, beads, a Swarovski crystallized crown, or a mixture of materials. All are different in colour and design, bringing uniqueness and distinctive elements to each piece.
Harper encapsulates the highly anticipated Cinderella story to perfection in this collection of headpieces. A mass of blue-hued butterfly wings flutter and seemingly fly off the main piece, which is Ella’s Enchantment. Ella’s Innocence was created by combining delicate Swarovski crystals, and veiling, adorn a trademark, oversized blue silk bow. White hand-tooled silk leaves interspersed with carefully Swarovski crystals to recreate a crown for Ella’s Perfect Ending. Ella’s Garden was captured as a small headpiece, while swathes of pale pink flowers, and coque feathers explode atop a mini silk pillbox. Tufts of tulle add a touch of finesse to Ella’s Night, a clear, blue and iridescent beaded coronet, encrusted with Swarovski crystals. Collectively the collection is a beautiful creative summary of the main events of the well-thumbed fairy tale.
Alexandra Harper agreed to making four collections for Disney, with three done, the ultimate collection will be inspired by Star Wars. Which will be interesting to see how Harper manages to capture the graphic shapes and landscapes, especially with her not being a star wars aficionado. I’m sure no challenge is too great for Alexandra Harper which is evident so far.
Written by Li Thane-Kitson
For more information www.alexandraharpermillinery.com
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