Etsy Shop of the Moment: Paisley & Brass by Ashaloo

Designer Asha Maddali's headpieces recall the Childlike Empress

By Andrea Kasprzak
Published: May 27th, 2010 | 12:00am

Like many children of the 80s, I was obsessed with rewinding the end of The Neverending Story. Not because I was trying to decipher what Bastian was screaming (although I was guilty of that, too), but because it was one of the only opportunities to gawk at the Childlike Empress. I didn't just want to know her new name. I wanted to be her.

So ethereal in her white dress, the Empress (renamed Moon Child) was one of my first fashion icons. For years, I unsuccessfully searched for a real-world equivalent of her elaborate headpiece. I combed vintage stores, scoured online sites, and broke too many necklaces in attempts to repurpose them as headwear. So, imagine my excitement to discover Asha Maddali's etsy boutique. The Florida State University grad creates the most covetable, wearable line of brass headpieces.

Her accessories, recently picked up by Free People, are inspired by tribal jewelry and trips to visit family in India. The New York City designer, who works on the Nine West jewelry team and sells her own stuff on the side, also cites music as a major inspiration. "Beirut is an all-time favorite of mine, but I also love Bon Iver, Melpo Mene, and I have been obsessed with The Drums recently—I can't get enough," she says.

I'm eying the Enchanted Fairy Headpiece ($68, pictured top right). Set with an intricate vintage filigree centerpiece and five smoky rhinestones, I think the Empress would approve.

Paisley & Brass by Ashaloo on etsy