Velvet Sparrow Designs haute hair bouquets for brides

Stylish Portland tattoo artist Melanie Nead has done it again. First, she reinvented the way local women adorn their bodies by combining the art of tattooing and the art of fashion into one designer destination. Now, she’s set to reinvent the way local brides adorn their hair.

Last year, Nead transformed Icon Tattoo Studio into more than just the best tattoo shop around. Now it’s also a perfectly Portland source for all things pretty – beautiful body art, locally made jewelry, vintage clothing, letterpress cards and handmade chocolate. Nead’s latest retail addition is her new collection of romantic, handmade silk flower hair bouquets – or hair “fascinators,” as she likes to call them.

Crafted under the name Velvet Sparrow Designs, Nead’s vintage-look floral hair pins draw inspiration from fashions of the Victorian era through the 1920’s. She wanted to create something for brides seeking a less traditional look, and to get away from the all-white scheme, yet remain classic and romantic. “Many hair accessories for weddings look kind of trite to me – really stereotypically ‘wedding-y,’ ” she said. “I wanted something that feels more romantic and personal and timeless, and conjures up a feeling of the heirloom or antique, while still looking fresh and flowery. I love using details like ivory pearls for that reason.”

It can take Nead anywhere from two to 10 hours to create each floral piece, which she makes from high quality silk flowers set on silk velvet backing. She says she uses only flowers that speak to her (not literally, duh!), and she spends a lot of time shifting them around and rearranging before sewing and gluing. She also pays close attention to quality of craftsmanship.”It’s really important to me that they are functional and sturdy as well as beautiful. One of my pet peeves of handmade stuff is when it falls apart. The quality should be higher than that of machine-made things. So that’s my main focus – stunningly gorgeous, super wearable, and excellent craftsmanship.”

Brides are the most likely suspects for Nead’s new floral hair pieces – they’ll last forever and also can be given as beautiful bridesmaid gifts – but you don’t necessarily need a wedding to make ‘em work. They’re every bit as gorgeous paired with jeans and tees. “I think everyone should be wearing flowers in their hair, always,” Nead said. “Seriously. Women almost universally look and feel really beautiful with flowers in their hair, and they complement any outfit and any occasion.”

For now, find Velvet Sparrow Designs floral hair pins online at etsy or at Icon Tattoo Studio on North Russell St. Choose from elaborate, over-sized bridal pieces or smaller pins for everyday wear and special events. Nead is more than happy to create custom hair bouquets, and she’s crafting more styles as we type.

Neat Deal! Don’t forget, you’ll save 20 percent on all retail purchases at Icon Tattoo when you mention The Neat Sheet between now and Sunday, Jan. 31. Plus, you’ll receive a free handmade chocolate from local chocolatier Coco & Co.

Icon Tattoo Studio
813 N. Russell St.; 503-957-4738
www.icontattoo.net

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