Overview

The focus was to create a character who is defined by their headwear. Inspired by Venetian carnival and funfairs, I created 3 designs that revolve around a headpiece. 

The Carousel hat allowed me to experiment with a range of mixed media. I also explored different ways to make kinetic pieces of costume. The definitive mechanism took a lot of trial and error to make the mechanism run smoothly and make sure the hat was still lightweight and wearable. 

In the end, the carousel was made out of foam board and paper. The mechanism was made with a rotating display tray and copper wire for the mask poles. The pillbox hat to which the carrousel is attached is made out of buckram and covered with velvet to enhance the grip on the head.