Red Veils

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The red veil is a symbol chosen by the Knowne World Courtesans as a visible mark of our membership in the group. Not everyone who wears a red veil is a courtesan, and not all courtesans wear the red veil - it is entirely voluntary and up to the preference of the individual. We chose red because the color is widely traditionally associated with sexuality and with sumptuary laws for sex workers, but to the best of our knowledge it was never designated by any sumptuary law to mark sex workers in any time period or culture, which means it isn't limited to a specific era or place.

I have made some red veils and purchased others. For those I have made, I used Casa Collection Solid Chiffon Fabric in Tango Red or (my personal fave) Glitterbug Chiffon Fabric 45" in Solid Red, both from Jo-Ann. For those I purchased, I ordered this Deamyth scarf and this Powerfulline shawl, both from Amazon - and for my "Venetian Deadpool" outfit I got this V28 100% silk scarf, also from Amazon. I have also used fabric from sheer saris or dupattas, sold by vendors at events.

Photo Gallery

Method of attachment 1: bobby pins I push the bobby pins through the material close to the hem. I put my hair up in braids around the crown of my head and pin the veil to the braids.	A closeup view of a bobby pin piercing the veil material	Method of attachment 2: comb This comb was made by hildie & jo (link below), purchase from Jo-Ann for $5. You can see where the veil has been stitched on. This makes putting the veil on and taking it off a snap!
The comb and veil from the other side	Pennsic 2017 - Me wearing one of my red veils just before the Casa Bardicci's Hoity Toity party	Pennsic 2017 - Me wearing one of my red veils at the Casa Bardicci's Hoity Toity party
Pennsic 2017 - dressed for the Bacchanal - except my neckline should be cowl, not sitting way up there!	Ymir 2018 - wearing a red veil with my red stola	Pennsic 2018 - wearing the veil attached to the comb at the 7th Annual Knowne World Courtesan Social

Red Veils

Photo Gallery

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Method of attachment 1: bobby pins I push the bobby pins through the material close to the hem. I put my hair up in braids around the crown of my head and pin the veil to the braids.

A closeup view of a bobby pin piercing the veil material

Method of attachment 2: comb This comb was made by hildie & jo (link below), purchase from Jo-Ann for $5. You can see where the veil has been stitched on. This makes putting the veil on and taking it off a snap!

The comb and veil from the other side

Pennsic 2017 - Me wearing one of my red veils just before the Casa Bardicci's Hoity Toity party

Pennsic 2017 - Me wearing one of my red veils at the Casa Bardicci's Hoity Toity party

Pennsic 2017 - dressed for the Bacchanal - except my neckline should be cowl, not sitting way up there!

Ymir 2018 - wearing a red veil with my red stola

Pennsic 2018 - wearing the veil attached to the comb at the 7th Annual Knowne World Courtesan Social