Your cart

SS15 - Headhunter

Drawing inspiration from her Tangkhul Naga heritage, Awon Golding blends bold colours, beading, feathers and geometric weaving patterns to create a collection inspired by the costuming and artefacts of the Naga tribes of North-East India.
Warriors from Naga tribes would take the heads of their enemies and display them proudly in their homes for all to see. Whilst this tradition has all but stopped, the legacy of this cranial fascination still plays an important role in all aspects of Naga costuming, with the number of hornbill feathers or size of hat illustrating one’s place in society.
Through the medium of millinery Awon seeks to represent Naga culture and shine the spotlight on this little known corner of the globe.
Special thanks to the Pitt Rivers Museum for allowing me to use their extensive collection in the research of this collection. 
Photography: Kirstin Sinclair / Make-up: Isobel Kennedy / Hair: Tasilia Varda / Photography assistant: Pierre Maelzer / Model - Lara Zwirn from Profile Models
Headhunter - Sinamay & pinokpok wide brim hat with satin bias band and hand-beaded trim. This statement hat features traditional Naga colours.

Sold
Out

Headhunter — £2,250 GBP
Mao - Sinamay & pinokpok boater with geo-woven rattan fabric, bead and feather trim.

Sold
Out

Mao — £620 GBP
Sema - Pinokpok & geo-woven fabric base with giant ostrich pom pom.

Sold
Out

Sema — £620 GBP
Tangkhul - This chic cocktail hat is made from delicate silk woven fabric bow on straw disc base.

Sold
Out

Tangkhul — £595 GBP
Ao - This structured turban headband is made from delicate silk woven fabric and is a flattering addition to either a casual or dressy outfit.

Sold
Out

Ao — £180 GBP
Konyak - This laser-cut two-tone neoprene beret is a chic addition to the modern woman's wardrobe. Best of all, it packs flat!

Sold
Out

Konyak — £395 GBP
Cane - Based on the weaving pattern of a straw rain hat used in the rice paddy fields of Nagaland, this laser-cut geometric neoprene beret creates a striking silhouette.

Sold
Out

Cane — £425 GBP
Hornbill - This statement feather crown is made from ombrė lacquered turkey feathers made to look like the majestic Hornbill.

Sold
Out

Hornbill — £985 GBP
Ash - This black straw disc with goose feathers and geo-woven gold fabric bow is a crowd-pleaser that goes with almost anything.

Sold
Out

Ash — £525 GBP
Kohima- Laser-cut geometric brass on pinokpok base. This is perfect for someone looking to make a bold, modern statement.

Sold
Out

Kohima — £1,250 GBP
Kuki - Mirror polished brass visor with brass spike detailing. Sports luxe at its finest.

Sold
Out

Kuki — £595 GBP
Lotha - Pinokpok disc base with brass spikes. Hard-edged but cute as a button.

Sold
Out

Lotha — £695 GBP
Mills - Beaded tulle veil with pinokpok bow headband. Pretty, feminine, and sexy.

Sold
Out

Mills — £495 GBP
Hutton - Hand-beaded with 4 colours of bugle beads, this tulle and merry widow veil sits comfortably on an easy to wear headband.

Sold
Out

Hutton — £395 GBP
Rivers - White straw disc with geo-woven bow & hand-beaded tulle veil. This hat is both demure and modern.

Sold
Out

Rivers — £695 GBP
Shillong - Laser-cut polished brass tiara on black leather base & headband.

Sold
Out

Shillong — £595 GBP
Pitt - Beaded cobalt pinokpok over-sized disc with gold bugle bead detailing, giant ostrich pom pom and single brass spike trim. The perfect Ascot hat.

Sold
Out

Pitt — £1,495 GBP
Manipur - Cobalt laser-cut neoprene and crinoline brim sunhat with brass spike trim band, and french net and silk crown. Wear this to the beach or to the races, either way you're making an entrance.

Sold
Out

Manipur — £1,250 GBP