Kate Middleton Sparks Fascination with Fascinators

March 3, 2011— -- When Kate Middleton stepped out last Thursday for her first official walkabout, one question was on the lips of fashionistas across the globe: "Where did she get that headpiece?"

The hat-loving future princess has been spotted wearing fascinators on numerous occasions, so milliner Vivien Sheriff was thrilled to see her creation on Kate's head that day.

"We were so excited when we saw her wearing it," Sheriff said. "It looked absolutely beautiful."

Fascinators are typically headpieces made out of a small group of feathers, sitting lightly on the head. The term comes from a male bird that "fascinates" his tail feathers to attract his mate. Women in Britain have been wearing these types of headpieces for the past eight to 10 years.

"They're popular pieces, but you've got to have quite a bit of confidence to wear them as well," Sheriff said. "She's [Kate] definitely doing them justice."

Kate's love affair with headwear even has her sister copying her trend. Pippa Middleton was seen just last weekend at Lady Katie Percy and financier Patrick Valentine's wedding, sporting one of Sheriff's bright pink-flowered headpieces.

"I think the way headpieces are being worn now it's more gentle, it's more fun, it's just more easy to see your face and you I think she's setting a trend – definitely," Sheriff said.

Kate, if tiaras and veils aren't your thing you could always try out one of Sheriff's bridal fascinators.