The Store P222 Velvet Crown Headband: A Vintage British Hair Accessory

When you pick up a velvet crown headband stamped with the code P222, you’re holding a piece of British accessory history that rarely gets the attention it deserves. Unlike the more common P191 or P192 variants, the P222 appears to have been a short-run production piece, possibly a special colourway or a limited department-store commission. Based on surviving examples, the P222 is distinguished by its deep aubergine – a rich, almost black-purple velvet that shifts to plum under warm light – and a slightly narrower crown band (roughly 2.5 cm across) than its sisters. The metal frame underneath is a lightweight spring-steel, coated in a satin-finish black enamel before the velvet is hand-wrapped and stitched. This construction detail alone tells a fascinating story about post-war British manufacturing priorities: durability without excess weight, a nod to the austerity-to-prosperity transition of the late 1950s.

Decoding the P222: a specific moment in British millinery

Every code in the ‘P’ series – from P176 through to P222 – corresponds to a particular design registered with the Board of Trade. The P222’s registration likely falls between late 1958 and early 1960, a period when British women were rediscovering the pleasure of dressing up after years of fabric rationing. Velvet crown headbands had been around since the Edwardian era, but the post-war versions were engineered for comfort and shape retention. The P222’s frame is noticeably more pliable than earlier models, allowing it to sit securely on a variety of head shapes without pinching. The velvet itself is a cotton-blend pile, woven in Lancashire mills that specialised in furnishing fabrics – a cross-industry collaboration typical of the era.

What makes the P222 especially collectable is the scarcity of the aubergine shade. Most velvet crown headbands from this period survive in black, navy, or deep red. The purple family was less common, partly because synthetic dyes were still being refined and natural dyes (like logwood) could fade unevenly. A P222 in good condition with even colour is a minor miracle. Look for the original paper label sewn into the inner curve – a small white rectangle with ‘P222’ in black ink and a tiny crown logo. This label is fragile and often missing, but when present it confirms authenticity.

Materials and making: what sets the P222 apart

The construction of the P222 follows the same general blueprint as other British velvet crown headbands of the period, but with two notable differences. First, the velvet is cut on the bias for the crown portion, allowing it to stretch slightly over the curved frame without puckering. Second, the stitching that secures the velvet to the wire is a backstitch rather than a simple running stitch – visible only if you turn the headband inside out. This backstitch adds labour time but prevents the velvet from slipping even after decades of use. The metal core is a single piece of spring steel, not two separate wires twisted together. That means the headband holds its arc and won’t develop a kink in the centre.

If you are considering a purchase or have inherited a P222, inspect the velvet pile. Because the material is a cotton blend, it can develop a flattened sheen where it rubs against the hairline. This is not a flaw – it’s a sign of gentle wear, and many collectors actually prefer a slight patina. Avoid any P222 that shows signs of water damage or mould, as the cotton backing can rot. Dry cleaning is not recommended; instead, spot-clean with a barely damp microfiber cloth and air-dry away from direct heat.

Silhouette and styling: then and now

The P222 was designed to complement the bouffant and the French roll – hairstyles that required volume at the crown. The narrower band sits behind the hairline, cradling the head without disturbing the height at the top. In the late 1950s, women would often pin the headband in place with two small hairpins hidden under the velvet. Today, you can wear the P222 in a much more relaxed way. It pairs beautifully with a low, loose bun or with straight hair tucked behind the ears. The deep aubergine works especially well with neutrals – think a cream cashmere jumper, tailored grey trousers, or a simple silk blouse. For a bolder look, wear it with a matching velvet jacket or a tartan skirt in purple tones.

If you already own a similar piece, say a pink or dark blue crown headband, the P222 offers a contrasting shade that expands your styling palette. For a detailed comparison of how these colours behave in different lighting, see our guide to The Pink Velvet Crown: A Vintage Hair Accessory with Staying Power and Dark Blue Velvet Crown Headband: History, Identification, and Styling.

Bereavement, care, and the long life of a P222

Velvet crown headbands are surprisingly resilient. With proper storage – ideally laid flat in a fabric-lined box, away from moths and sunlight – a P222 can outlast many modern plastic accessories. The main enemy is the velvet pile getting crushed. If that happens, you can gently steam the headband by holding it above a kettle spout (not too close) for a few seconds, then brush the nap upright with a very soft toothbrush. This method has been used by costume restorers for decades and works on most cotton-velvet blends. Never submerge the headband in water: the steel core will rust, and the label will disintegrate.

When hunting for a P222 at vintage fairs or online, look for listings that mention ‘purple’ or ‘aubergine’ velvet crown headband. Sellers often don’t know the model number, so you may need to ask for a photo of the inner label. A reasonable price for a good-condition P222 in the UK is between £35 and £65, depending on label presence and velvet condition. One with a pristine label and no pile wear is rare and can reach £80–100, but for most wearers a slightly worn example is perfectly charming and more affordable.

Why the P222 matters now

In an age of fast fashion and disposable hair accessories, the P222 stands as a reminder of thoughtful making. Every stitch, every bias-cut piece of velvet, every spring-steel curve was chosen for longevity. Wearing it is a quiet act of resistance against the throwaway culture. It also connects you to a specific generation of British women who valued quality, who knew the name of their local milliner, and who passed down their best accessories to daughters and granddaughters. The P222 may have been a minor model in its day, but today it is a perfect example of why vintage accessories deserve a second life.