The Store P299 Bow Headband: A Collector’s Guide to the Rare Velvet Crown

The Store P299 bow headband from Maison Archives is one of those accessories that collectors actively hunt down. Unlike standard velvet crowns, it has a grosgrain bow sewn directly into the velvet—a detail that sets it apart from simpler mid-century designs. When enthusiasts talk about 'the bow headband', they usually mean this specific piece: a small velvet crown mounted on a flexible metal frame, topped with a neatly tied bow. Understanding how it’s made and where it came from explains why it’s still so desirable.

The Anatomy of the Store P299 Bow Headband

At first glance, the P299 looks like other velvet crown headbands from the 1950s and 1960s. The crown is padded and covered in silk velvet, typically in deep jewel tones—midnight blue, burgundy, forest green—though later runs included dusty pastels. The defining feature is the bow sewn directly onto the front of the crown. Unlike the separate bow clips that were popular in the 1980s, this bow is integral: the grosgrain ribbon is hand-stitched into a double loop with short tails, then anchored through the velvet into a thin cardboard form beneath. That construction gives the bow a crisp, permanent shape that doesn't flatten over time.

The headband base is spring steel, wrapped in a matching velvet tube. The tension is moderate—firm enough to stay put on medium-thick hair but flexible enough to avoid pressure marks. Underneath the crown, a small metal label reads 'MAISON ARCHIVES / P299 / MADE IN ENGLAND'. Genuine examples also have a hand-written lot number in black ink on the inner steel curve.

Historical Context: When the Bow Met the Crown

After Queen Elizabeth II wore a velvet crown headband at her 1953 Coronation, the style took off in Britain. Early versions were plain—just velvet on a band, sometimes with a small rhinestone cluster. By the late 1950s, milliners began adding decorative elements to appeal to younger wearers. The P299 bow headband seems to have been introduced around 1961, right when British mod culture was emerging but before Mary Quant’s geometric hair accessories exploded. The bow added a touch of feminine playfulness without sacrificing practicality.

Archival catalogues from Maison Archives show that the P299 was produced for less than five years. That’s why it’s comparatively rare. The bow design was phased out as the company shifted towards simpler, more minimalist accessories in the mid-1960s. That limited production window is why surviving examples command attention among collectors today.

Materials and Craftsmanship

The quality of the P299 lies in its materials and assembly. The velvet is a silk–rayon blend with a short, dense pile that holds its colour well. The bow uses 9 mm grosgrain ribbon with a woven edge—not printed satin—which prevents fraying. All stitching is done by hand, including the invisible tack that secures the bow to the crown. The spring steel band is coated in a thin layer of clear lacquer to prevent rust, though vintage pieces sometimes show signs of oxidation along the edges.

Because the bow is permanently attached, cleaning requires extra care. Dust can accumulate in the crevices between bow loops and crown. A soft, dry paintbrush works well for routine maintenance. For deeper cleaning, many collectors use a gentle vacuum with a brush attachment on low suction. Never submerge the headband in water—the cardboard form inside the bow will warp irreversibly.

Authenticating a Store P299

Several details help verify a genuine P299. First, check the label: it should be brass-coloured metal with crisp letters. Counterfeits often have sticky paper labels or embossed plastic. Second, examine the bow stitching. The original has tiny, even stitches that are nearly invisible from the front. If you see glue or uneven thread, it may be a later reproduction. Third, measure the crown width: genuine P299 crowns are exactly 4.5 cm wide by 3 cm tall. Variants outside these dimensions are likely from other patterns. Finally, the weight is distinctive—about 28 grams for the whole headband, heavier than modern equivalents because of the metal core and cardboard form.

Store listings sometimes use 'p299' as a generic term for any velvet bow headband. Always ask for photos of the label and the interior band before purchasing. A good seller will provide them without hesitation.

Styling the Bow Headband with a Modern Wardrobe

The P299 excels at bridging vintage elegance and contemporary simplicity. Because the bow is compact (not oversized), it works well with both sleek ponytails and loose waves. For daytime, push the headband slightly back so the crown sits behind the hairline, letting the bow peek above the forehead. This avoids a 'too-dressed-up' feel. For evening, slide it forward so the bow rests just above the temples—an approach that complements high-necked blouses or collared dresses.

Worried that velvet doesn’t go with denim? The texture contrast is part of its charm. Try pairing a navy P299 with a cream linen shirt and high-waisted jeans. The headband adds a polished note without demanding formality. If your outfit includes other vintage pieces—say, a structured skirt or a Breton top—the bow headband acts as a unifying accent rather than a standalone statement.

Proper Storage and Care

Velvet is a fragile material that compresses under weight. Storing the P299 incorrectly can flatten the pile and distort the bow. The ideal method is to place it in a padded box or a fabric-lined drawer, lying flat with the crown facing up. Never hang it by the bow—the tension will stretch the ribbon over time. Avoid storing near direct sunlight or heat sources, as the velvet dye may fade and the cardboard form can become brittle.

For seasonal rotation, wrap the headband in acid-free tissue paper and keep it in a breathable cotton bag. Many collectors find that inserting a rolled-up piece of the same tissue inside the crown helps it retain its dome shape. If you notice the bow starting to loosen, a single drop of fabric glue applied between the ribbon and the crown with a toothpick can stabilise it. Only use this as a last resort after testing on an inconspicuous area.

Regular care extends the life of the P299 considerably. After wearing, brush the velvet lightly with a lint roller (not tape, which can pull fibres). If the headband becomes bent, do not force it back into shape; instead, gently curve it over a rounded object like a jar, allowing the steel to slowly return to its original arc. For more practical tips on keeping vintage hair accessories in top condition, the Summer Care for Vintage Hair Accessories: The C33 Collection Guide offers advice that applies directly to velvet pieces like the P299.

Where the Store P299 Fits in a Collection

If you already own a standard velvet crown headband (such as the Store P297 or a braided variant), the P299 provides a different silhouette and personality. The bow adds a distinct 1960s couture touch that is harder to find in later decades. Among Maison Archives pieces, it sits alongside the Ziggy Colors clips and the early scrunchies as an example of the brand's willingness to experiment with embellishment before minimalism took over.

The P299's limited five-year production run means you're unlikely to see it in fast-fashion knockoffs. Owning one is like having a piece of British millinery history that still works with today’s clothes. And if you ever find one with a loose bow, a tiny dab of fabric glue can fix it—but only if you test it first on an inconspicuous spot.