The Catarina Colours Collection: A Study in Vintage Hair Accessory Hues
When the first samples of the Catarina Colours line arrived at the workshop last autumn, the master colourist spent three days adjusting the depth of the Prussian blue alone. Not because the pigment was faulty—it was a perfectly fine ultramarine—but because the original specifications called for the exact shade of blue found in an 1870s mourning bonnet ribbon preserved at the Fashion Museum Bath. The story behind that ribbon, and the dozen other historical references that define the Catarina Colours palette, is what transforms a simple hair accessory into a piece of wearable heritage.
What Are Catarina Colours?
Catarina Colours is not a single product but a carefully curated collection of colourways applied to a select range of vintage-inspired hair accessories: barrettes, combs, and ribbon clips. Each colour in the line is named after a historical figure, an archival textile, or a natural dye source from British fashion history. For example, “Catherine of Aragon Garnet” mimics the deep ruby tint of a pomegranate seed (a symbol from her marriage tapestry), while “Coventry Blue” recreates the pale sky shade that appeared on silk ribbons in mid-18th-century Coventry ribbon trade samples. The collection currently comprises twelve standard colours, with two seasonal limited editions released each year.
The Colour Development Process
Every Catarina Colour begins with a physical object from a museum or private archive. The team works with a colour historian who measures the original fabric, feather, or cellulose acetate sample using a spectrophotometer, then translates the spectral data into a modern dye formula that mimics both the hue and the subtle tonal variation (the “break” of the colour) that occurs in natural light. This is crucial because vintage hair accessories often change appearance depending on the lighting—a property that modern flat-dye finishes rarely replicate.
Materials and Techniques
The base materials for Catarina Colours accessories are chosen for their historical authenticity. Metal barrettes are made from nickel-silver or brass, then plated with a thin layer of real gold (for the gilded pieces) or left unplated for the silver-finish options. Acetate combs are hand-cut from celluloid-acetate blends that replicate the weight and flexibility of early 20th-century French combs. The colour is applied using a dip-dye method for solid colours or a hand-painted gradient for the “sunset” effects. No two pieces are exactly identical—the slight variations in pigment absorption are considered a mark of craftsmanship, not a flaw.
Key Colourways and Their Stories
Below is a selection of the most popular Catarina Colours, with the historical reference that inspired each:
| Colour Name | Historical Reference | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|
| Catherine of Aragon Garnet | Pomegranate silk from the 1509 wedding tapestry | Evening updos, formal occasions |
| Coventry Blue | 1740s ribbon sample from the Coventry Weavers’ Guild | Daytime clips, paired with cream or white lace |
| Blenheim Rose | 1760s corset ribbon from Blenheim Palace archives | Mid-toned accessories for strawberry blonde hair |
| Murdock Greens | Natural dye from the woad plant, 1820s Scottish tartan | Autumn wardrobes, olive undertones |
| Dover Shell | Mother-of-pearl inlay from a Victorian hair comb | Bridal pieces, subtle shimmer |
| Regent’s Amber | Amber beads from a Regency-era hairnet | Warm brunettes, bohemian styles |
How to Style Catarina Colours with Modern Wardrobes
The beauty of these historically anchored colours is that they do not look costume-like. A Coventry Blue barrette, for instance, reads as a soft pastel that works with a minimalist grey dress or a crisp white blouse. The key is to avoid matching the colour exactly to your outfit—instead, let the accessory provide a subtle contrast. For a navy suit, choose the Blenheim Rose clip; the pinkish tone warms up the cool blue without clashing. For a black turtleneck, the Dover Shell clip adds a gentle iridescent glow that does not compete with the neckline.
When wearing multiple accessories, a good rule of thumb is to stay within the same colour family but vary the saturation. Pair a Regent’s Amber comb with a Murdock Green clip—both are warm, earthy tones that reference the same natural dye tradition. The effect is cohesive without being matchy-matchy.
Caring for Your Catarina Colours Accessories
Because the dyes are formulated to replicate historical pigments, they are more sensitive to light and chemicals than modern synthetic colours. The following care practices will preserve the original hue:
- Keep away from direct sunlight. Display your accessories in a drawer or a lined box, not on a windowsill. UV rays cause the organic-based dyes to fade unevenly.
- Wipe clean with a dry, soft cloth. Do not use water, alcohol, or hairspray near the surface. If the piece comes into contact with hair product, gently blot the residue with a microfiber cloth immediately.
- Store separately. Metal pieces can scratch each other. Wrap each accessory in acid-free tissue paper or place them in individual soft pouches. Avoid plastic bags, which trap moisture and can cause tarnish on the metal.
- Rotate your collection. Constant wear of the same piece accelerates wear on the colour finish. Let each accessory rest for at least a day between uses to allow the materials to recover their shape.
Where to Find Authentic Catarina Colours
The collection is produced in small batches by a family-run atelier in the Cotswolds. Each piece is numbered and comes with a card that describes the historical reference and the dye recipe. Because the production is limited, colours often sell out quickly—especially the seasonal editions, which are tied to specific exhibitions or anniversaries. For example, the 2025 spring limited edition, “Pompadour Peony”, was based on a ribbon from the 1757 portrait of Madame de Pompadour and sold out within two weeks.
If you are looking to build a cohesive set, consider starting with the core colours that match your wardrobe: the Coventry Blue, Blenheim Rose, and Dover Shell are versatile enough for most British colour palettes. For collectors, the limited editions offer a chance to own a piece of colour history that will not be repeated. The atelier also offers a restoration service for older pieces whose colour has faded—they can re-dip the accessory using the original formula, though the patina from wear is often considered part of the charm.
One last note on the colour names: the “Catarina” in the line’s title refers to Catherine of Aragon, whose deep love of pomegranate symbolism inspired the first colour. The name was chosen not for royal glamour, but for the way a single historical detail—a fruit, a ribbon, a scrap of lace—can anchor a whole palette. When you wear a Catarina Colour, you are wearing a colour that was once seen by candlelight in a Tudor court, or pinned into a bonnet at a Victorian seaside. That continuity is what makes these accessories more than decoration.