Elena Kokoshnik Headdress (red)

The word "kokoshnik" is derived from the archaic Slavic word "kokosh," meaning hen. It is an old, traditional headdress in the shape of a wave crest, that is an integral part of a holiday women's Russian folk costume. In the olden days Russian ladies bought kokoshniks from special masters whose addresses were passed on as big secrets. The story of each woman was hidden on her kokoshnik in the shape and the decoration style on the headdress – ribbons, flowers, beads, lace, pearls, gold embroidery, and gems – these stylistically presented such information as where she lives in Russia, her material and social status, as well as her family status. The shape of a kokoshnik depended on the hair style and fashion on in a particular area. A kokoshnik is an unusual and very feminine accessory for Russian fashion lovers of the past.