Nail Heads

Nail heads come in two types: Hot fix nail heads which have a flat back and can be either glued or applied with hotfix tools. Pronged nail heads, made of metal that need to be set, and mounted, either by hand or with a tool.

Dresses embellished with decorative gold, brass or silver nail heads first appeared in the late 1930s. Usually seen on solid-colour "background" dresses of wool or synthetic crepe, nail heads were used as glittering accents on the bodice, sleeves, belt, collar, pocket or cuffs. Marketed towards the "smart, lithe, swift moving figures of youth" for evening or special occasion dress, nail head decoration was also used more sparsely on dresses intended for day wear. Typical placement usually focused on the neckline and upper bodice. In 1940 it was introduced onto the skirt.

Nail heads also contained gold-coloured leaves and green rhinestones. The rhinestones and leaves are more elaborate than other nail head decoration featured in period advertisements. However, like many other late 1930s nail head dresses, the placement of the nail heads suggests jewelry, especially a necklace. This placement might point to the origins of nail head embellishment. . In the late 1930s it was also introduced into men's wear. Today it remains popular on shoes, belts, sandals, necklines and pockets.

Another point of origin for nail head embellishment might be the work of Schiaparelli. In the late 1930s, Schiaparelli created lavishly embroidered and embellished evening capes, suits and jackets. Featuring metallic embroidery, elaborate gold buttons and glass jewels, these creations were beyond the financial reach of the ordinary people.

Nail head embellishment remained popular into the 1940s, appearing on shoes and trousers in addition to dresses. Evening shoes and summer sandals with nail head embellishment across the vamp and along the ankle straps were widely advertised in the early 1940s. In 1941, a Los Angeles Times article focusing on resort and casual wear featured a trouser/jacket ensemble in cotton denim with nail head embellishment on the pockets. The article was illustrated with a drawing of a woman closely resembling Katherine Hepburn, who famously wore pants both on and off screen.

Pronged Nailheads or studs have many uses and can add a whole lot of shine. Since they come in many styles, shapes and sizes, they can be mixed and matched to create a unique look. Nailheads give depth and dimension to any project and with rim set rhinestones can be just amazing.