Urban legend claims that women's clothier namesake Henri Bendel (b. 1868) 'invented' the feather boa, yet Wikipedia has this to say about its history:
"Feather boas have been documented for use as an adornment since at least 1820, but they might have been worn as early as the 17th century. Feather boas have fallen in and out of fashion many times over the years. Feather boas have had the reputation of being elegant as well as being considered campy or vulgar apparel.
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| Woman with a black feather boa, c. 1892, by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec |
Some historic eras where feather boas were in style or trendy include: the late Victorian era and Edwardian era (between 1890 and 1915), the 1920s, the 1970s during the glam rock and Disco music eras, the late 1990s, and into the early 21st century.
Entertainers have long used feather boas as part of their act. A few feather boa wearers include: dancer Isadora Duncan; singer Shirley Bassey; actor/comedian Mae West; wrestlers Jesse Ventura, Marc Bolan of the glam rock band, T.Rex, Superstar Billy Graham, and Hulk Hogan; singers Scott Weiland, Celia Cruz, Cher, and Elton John; and numerous other opera and cabaret singers. Singer and comic book writer Gerard Way has been known to wear a boa while performing."
Whether made famous by either Henri (Bendel or Toulouse Lautrec) the feather boa has maintained its popularity throughout the years, becoming a favorite fashion fob not only for costume parties, but for social groups such as the Red Hat Society, little girls birthday parties, burlesque performers and drag divas.
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| FeatherPlace.com |
The makeup of these feathery scarves vary as much in style as those who don them. Whether ostrich, turkey, marabou, chandelle, pheasant or even swan... or made from yarn with nary a plume in sight, there can be found a boa for every taste and activity. Even interior designers have given the occasional nod to festive fluff, embellishing lamp shades, pillows, towels, bedding and floral display.
Companies like The Feather Place take their fluff very seriously, advertising feathers from 'costume to couture'. With feather dusters to fly-tying feathers to costume wings and everything in between, there is plumage for every need and desire. They even carry fermina show girl worthy fans a la Sally Rand... but those are a topic to tickle your sensibilities in a future post.
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