Feathers for Flies are Being Hijacked for Fashion

Unless you have been on the moon for the last few months, you must be aware that Whiting hackles and those from a lot of other companies are going through the roof. Now granted I have been fortunate not to have to order any recently due to a stockpile I have. But some of my friends have been complaining about these rampant price increases and shortages. So I have been doing some research and have come to the conclusion. …It’s all Steven Tyler’s fault on American Idol.

The Rocker has jumped on a trend and kicked it to the moon. Here’s what one style maven had to say.

“The prop to end all props right now is Steven Tyler’s hair feathers. Yes…hair feathers. And according to a story I recently heard on NPR, the popularity of his feathers is placing big demands on Whiting Farms, the feathers’ producers.

Located in western Colorado, Whiting Farms sells feather products for fly-fishing to over 50 countries. They specialize in raising specific chickens and roosters, and are well known for providing top flies to fly fisherman. They have a loyal customer base who create their own flies and who swear by the feathers Whiting Farms provides. Apparently, fly-fishing is a creative process and the fishermen say that the rooster feathers they buy from Whiting Farms are an integral part of the success in catching fish.

Now here’s the dilemma: Ever since Steven Tyler has been wearing these feathers in his hair, thousands of young girls want feathers in their hair too. And just any old feather won’t do—they want the exact same feathers Tyler wears. Whiting Farms is having a tough time keeping up with the demand from this new market.

This just goes to show how much impact a seemingly simple prop can have. If you follow American Idol (or if you’re a fan of Steven Tyler), you probably know that Tyler is always in costume. Even though he appears rather disheveled, everything he wears has been meticulously selected, coordinated, assembled, and crafted to create the image of what we see each week. Nothing is left to chance. As Tyler once said, paraphrasing Dolly Parton, “You have no idea how much it costs to look this cheap.”

Brent Reece

Brent Reece is a freelance writer - blogger. An expert in Northwoods craft and backwoodsmanship. A highly motivated blogger and writer seeking to amuse, entertain and enlighten all who read his work. An honest teller of truths .....even if they are unpopular.

A father of four, now living in Central Maine in the sleepy town of Madison. A devoted husband and hunter of all things feathered and furry.

A staunch supporter of all our troops no matter where they are serving...BOOYAH!!