Burning Man is a place where creativity knows no bounds, and this year, I wanted to make something new for my Playa experience. Inspired by the wild spirit of self-expression that the event embodies, I decided to make a feather mohawk—an eye-catching, powerful piece that added both flair and fierceness to my ensemble.
The Inspiration
I’ve always admired the dramatic silhouettes of feathered headpieces, and I wanted to create something that felt bold and tribal, yet elegant and futuristic. The mohawk design perfectly aligned with the themes of rebellion, individuality, and freedom, which are essential to the Burning Man experience.
The Design Process
I knew that I wanted black feathers to serve as the main component of the piece, not only because they exude elegance but also because they contrast beautifully against the desert backdrop. I decided to incorporate some iridescent accents and crystal embellishments to give it that extra sparkle, especially for night-time adventures when the Playa lights up.
The base is made from sinamay in a U shade that lays across the skull from the front to the back. I meticulously layered each feather to ensure no moop (matter out of place), and created a full, voluminous effect. The base feathers provided structure, while the higher ones added height and drama. For extra security, I added an adjustable elastic band from the front to a loop at the base of the mohawk and back to the front of the other side. I added hair clips to the sinamay as well. Both of those measures kept the mohawk firmly in place during dance parties and long bike rides across the Playa.
The Result
The result was nothing short of stunning. The black feathers billowed in the wind, creating a dynamic look that shifted and moved with me. The crystal details caught the sunlight perfectly during the day, and at night, they shimmered under the Playa’s brilliant lights.
The mohawk made me feel powerful, liberated, and fully immersed in the creative energy of Burning Man. Every moment wearing it, from sunset photo ops to spontaneous dance sessions, became a reminder of why we go to Burning Man—to express, to create, and to connect.
Bringing It All Together
This piece became a centerpiece of my overall look. Paired with boots, strappy festival wear, and some dramatic fringe epaulettes that I also made, the mohawk tied together my vision of a rebellious desert warrior. The photos I captured with it, particularly in front of a giant metallic winged dog sculpture, perfectly encapsulate the bold, otherworldly vibe I aimed for.
If you’re feeling inspired to create your own feathered headpiece, my advice is simple: let your imagination run wild. Don’t be afraid to go big, and remember that no detail is too small. After all, the Playa is a place where your most extravagant visions can come to life!