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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.

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Headhunter — $2,877
Mao - Sinamay & pinokpok boater with geo-woven rattan fabric, bead and feather trim.

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Mao — $793
Sema - Pinokpok & geo-woven fabric base with giant ostrich pom pom.

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Sema — $793
Tangkhul - This chic cocktail hat is made from delicate silk woven fabric bow on straw disc base.

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Tangkhul — $761
Ao - This structured turban headband is made from delicate silk woven fabric and is a flattering addition to either a casual or dressy outfit.

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Ao — $231
Konyak - This laser-cut two-tone neoprene beret is a chic addition to the modern woman's wardrobe. Best of all, it packs flat!

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Konyak — $506
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.

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Cane — $544
Hornbill - This statement feather crown is made from ombrė lacquered turkey feathers made to look like the majestic Hornbill.

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Hornbill — $1,260
Ash - This black straw disc with goose feathers and geo-woven gold fabric bow is a crowd-pleaser that goes with almost anything.

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Ash — $672
Kohima- Laser-cut geometric brass on pinokpok base. This is perfect for someone looking to make a bold, modern statement.

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Kohima — $1,599
Kuki - Mirror polished brass visor with brass spike detailing. Sports luxe at its finest.

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Kuki — $761
Lotha - Pinokpok disc base with brass spikes. Hard-edged but cute as a button.

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Lotha — $889
Mills - Beaded tulle veil with pinokpok bow headband. Pretty, feminine, and sexy.

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Mills — $633
Hutton - Hand-beaded with 4 colours of bugle beads, this tulle and merry widow veil sits comfortably on an easy to wear headband.

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Hutton — $506
Rivers - White straw disc with geo-woven bow & hand-beaded tulle veil. This hat is both demure and modern.

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Rivers — $889
Shillong - Laser-cut polished brass tiara on black leather base & headband.

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Shillong — $761
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.

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Pitt — $1,912
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.

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Manipur — $1,599