When Kathryn Zarem and Jessica Schwartzberg wore their homemade feathered headbands to work at People StyleWatch and Travel + Leisure, people took notice. Friends, coworkers and fashion editors all wanted one.
Old Hollywood Style
“Feathers are always in,” affirms Zarem from her New York office, “but I think they're more prevalent at the moment because they evoke old Hollywood style—which is very in right now.”
Zarem couldn’t be more right. Hints of old Hollywood and feathers are laced among current fashions, including Isaac Mizrahi’s, Diane von Furstenberg’s, and Carolina Herrera’s fall 2008 ready-to-wear collections.
A Symbol of Elegance
“Women have always worn feathers: in boas, hats, dresses,” Zarem describes. “Feathers are a classic and timeless symbol of elegance.”
Which old-Hollywood starlet epitomizes the feathered hair accessory? “Marion Davies,” Zarem concludes: the stunning screen legend of the 1920s. Her glamour and allure are akin to the sophistication Pluma’s head bands call to mind.
Todays celebrities are no strangers to feathered hair adornments, either. Journalist and television presenter Maria Menounos wears Pluma, as does actress Lucy Liu. Both ladies are high-profile when it comes to having what’s new and hot.
Zarem considers Britain’s Keira Knightly, and China’s Ziyi Zhang, the embodiment of Pluma. Although both women are extremely different in skin colour, eye shape, bone structure and style, they share a uniqueness: they don’t look like anyone else, nor do they try to. Only 23 and 29 years of age respectively, they opt for subdued beauty and femininity over fleeting trends.
How to Wear Feathers
Originally from Los Angeles, Zarem and Schwartzberg have adapted their “laid-back style into New York chic,” and now regard their style as “contemporary city girl.”
“It's hard to keep up with changing fashion, so we keep to classic basics and update with accessories.” The genius of Pluma hair bands is that they are not reserved only for evening wear or bridal fashion. “Pluma is great with jeans!” Zarem enthuses.
Ultimately, there are no fashion rules when it comes to Pluma’s accessories. “Each person decides how they wear Pluma best,” coaches Zarem. “It might depend on which side she parts her hair, maybe tucking the hair behind the ear that falls below the feather. The headband looks great regardless of if the hair is up or down.”
Where to Buy Feather Hair Bands and Head Bands
Currently, Pluma is available through its online shop, and from select boutiques across the U.S., Australia and Tokyo. The $48 USD price tag is quite reasonable for hand-made pieces, all of which are made by Zarem and Schwartzberg—and sometimes friends help out when orders peak.
Pluma is currently designing a feathered bridal line and a line for children. “Headbands aren't going anywhere for a while, they're just going to get grander—think headpieces.”
