The fascination with fascinators

Donning my fascinator at the 29th Women of Courage and Conviction Awards luncheon April 26, 2025

A few Saturday mornings ago as I was preparing to attend the GBS NCNW Women of Courage and Conviction awards luncheon, I pulled one of my two lavender dresses out of the closet to wear. Purple is the official color of the National Council of Negro Women and every so often for our events I like to switch up and wear the complimentary and lighter hue of lavender. However, I did abide by our official color when it came to my headpiece, a fascinator. Deep purple.

I had no idea that my fashion choice would draw so much attention. “I love your little hat,” several guests said as they milled around before the awards luncheon got underway at Venezia Waterfront Ballroom in Boston.

By the end of the function, I’d gotten at least a

dozen compliments on my accessory. But why the fascination with my fascinator? Fascinators, traditionally worn for more formal occasions, have become a popular fashion statement. It’s common to see celebrities and influencers donning unique fascinators. They have become so trendy and popular that the traditional accessory has been re-imagined in a variety of materials and styles, ranging from simple and elegant to bold and colorful. Here is some historical information I didn’t know about fascinators. They’ve been in fashion for centuries. It is believed they originated from the 16th century when women of the French and British courts wore elaborate headpieces to express their status.

In the 19th century they became popular, with members of the British Royal family wearing them, giving them a regal significance. Fascinators were worn as a symbol of high social status and sophistication.

After the Women of Courage of Conviction Awards Luncheon concluded, I made a stop at the supermarket to buy something to cook for dinner. As I walked across the parking lot, a woman stopped me and complimented me on my fascinator. I got another compliment as I was pushing my cart around the store aisles.

Who would have thought? All that excitement over a fascinator. Fascinating!