A surprising find at COS: a hair accessory that is not a clip

COS often sells accessories of such refinement that we find ourselves repeatedly surprised. One of them this season is this striking hair pin bearing a just-bloomed bud at the top, a composition so sleek, Risis might find themselves deeply inspired. The slender pin is made of recycled brass and plated in silver and is, according to COS, hand-moulded. This could explain the appealingly organic shape and tactile quality. The curve of the tapered pin itself has the delicacy of a refined calligraphic stroke.

Despite its near-minimalist styling, this hair accessory has more in common with the ancient Chinese fazan (发簪) than anything you’d find at a typical retailer of hair clips and such. Not to be confused with a fachai (发钗), which is essentially a two-pronged hair pin, the standard fazan is very much akin to a single chopstick. The COS version is unusual in that it has a curvy shaft. But the ‘head’ of the pin is more traditional—the flower, which represents femininity and grace. Regrettably, these days, not many women know how to use a hair pin. A ragged scrunchie is preferred.

COS floral hair pin, SGD69, is available at COS stores and online. Photo: Jim Sim