While necklaces, bracelets and rings are standard go-to accessories, one place modern ladies may ignore to décor is the top of the head. But UC Irvine studio art graduate Eugenia “Genie” Chung knows the value of a perfectly placed hair bow, flower or feather. She makes beautiful statement accessories for the hair, perfecting outfits one noggin at a time.
Chung began making hair accessories one day while getting ready for a job interview. Wearing a plain black-and-white suit, she felt the need to make the outfit pop. When her search for a great hair accessory proved unsuccessful, she relied on her artistic talents and made a decorative headband by hand. Whether she was going to nail the interview was irrelevant by then, as she had just started her own career. Friends began fawning over her creations, and the end result became the idea for Petit Plume. Launched in the fall of 2009, Chung's hair adornments are whimsical, feminine, ornate. They're made with various materials including felt, feathers, antique jewelry, and pearls sourced from flea markets, fabric stores and downtown LA's garment district. But it's not all beauty with the company—15 percent of the profits go to help stop human trafficking thanks to a partnership with the La Mirada-based nonprofit My Refuge House, which operates a home that cares for survivors in Cebu, Philippines.
Petit Plume has become popular with brides opting out of the traditional long veil, but is also perfect for the everyday fashionista looking for a quick way to a beautiful hairstyle. Even babies can sport her looks—the “Amelie” miniature embroidered crown is simply adorable on a newborn. Chung even does custom orders for those who find themselves in the same situation she was when she started the company; you can commission your designs at www.petitplume.com.
When she's not creating accessories, she's busy making women feel pretty in other ways with e2beauty, the hair and makeup team she co-founded. Officially launched in January at Studio Emp in Fullerton, they specialize in weddings and other momentous events. Gals in Orange County and Los Angeles can book their services through www.e2beauty.com.
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When not running the OCWeekly.com and OC Weekly’s social media sites, Taylor “Hellcat” Hamby can be found partying like it’s 1899.