From Grace Kelly to Kareena Kapoor: The birdcage veil is the ultimate style power move

Time of India

01-06-2025

Who has not ever been intrigued by a woman's veil? From shy brides blushing beneath their veils to grieving widows cloaked in black, mourning profound loss, veils have long held space for both joy and sorrow, quietly bearing witness to life's most tender moments.
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This single piece of cloth worn by women, was initially worn as a mark of dedication to God, which eventually became a fashion accessory with time.
Every country and religion came up with their way of styling this accessory, which soon became a source of joy and happiness, taking the shape of wedding veils. Wedding veils have been iconic for decades and reflect the changing trends of each era. From the flapper veils in the 1920s to the birdcage veil in the 1940s, veils have seen a remarkable transformation in length, embellishments, and design.
As time went on, new types and trends of wedding veils came into existence, but one amongst the lot made its way into the fashion world and is no longer only worn by royals or brides. Exuding a dramatic yet mysterious statement, the iconic birdcage veil is having a serious fashion moment nowadays.
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From Bhumi Pednekar in 'The Royals' to Kareena Kapoor Khan at the Red Sea Festival, the red carpet star power has already approved of this vintage accessory.
Let's dive deep into the existence and evolution of this beautiful piece.
The veil whispers secrets of love
The birdcage veil is the shortest type of veil and was a rage in the 1940s. Worn over the face with the netting or small tulle acting as a blusher for the bride, it was then pulled back for the first official married couple kiss. Typically, the birdcage veils came in various sizes, with the shortest usually around 9''.
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They were worn at an angle, covering only one side of the bride's face and thus exuded rays of ethereal romance and a sense of drama.
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However, coming into existence during the Second World War, the trend of short veils came into power due to the shortage of fabric. This meant that bridal veils were not as long and elaborate as they once were, but this iconic piece bridged the gap between chic and sophistication and was looked upon as a super practical choice.
Inside the net
There are various types of netting fabric and designs used for birdcage veils. However, French netting, which eventually became a fashion symbol, has been used since the mid-20th century. The hexagonal pattern gives a delicate and soft appearance, whereas the Russian netting has large diamond-shaped holes, making the face look more opaque. French netting is also lightweight, stiffer, and comfortable.
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Another type of netting was created by the Americans, with smaller diamond-shaped holes that were smaller than the Russian netting but larger than the French.
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Hollywood dreams in vintage reality
A simple and easy-to-wear option, the birdcage veil caught the attention of Hollywood and became more glamorous in the 1960s. Often teamed with pillbox hats and iconic headgear, Hollywood starlets like Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn made them a popular choice for red carpets and cocktail affairs.
This era saw an increase in the popularity of birdcage veils in France, with French women carrying a hint of red lips with colourful birdcage veils over their faces. Today, this type of veil design is still a popular choice, but amongst the brides who wish to walk down the aisle in a retro look with a demure charm.
How do I pair it up?
Pairing a birdcage veil with your wedding dress can be tricky in today's modern world, but not impossible.
If you're opting for a vintage look, then these birdcage veils look perfect with the extravagant ball gowns. However, ladies who wish to create a modish cocktail look can team this with a subtle, streamlined sheath or silk gown. Add some vintage-inspired accessories like full-length gloves and pearl jewellery to bring everything together.
The glamorous birdcage veil has now evolved into a modern, unstructured interpretation, with fashion mavens styling it with elaborate feathers and flower combs. Marking its journey as a major staple in the bridal fashion space, it is more than just an iconic vintage accessory in today's world.