Human nature is to seek attention. We usually gain it through a time tested method – fashion. In recent years this has manifested as huge tally of shopping receipts rather than style. Hushed cries of “Ooh look at her in that Armani” and “…More diamonds on that bra than any other brassiere, ever” were heard throughout the land. Which is all quite wrong in respect of the current and widespread financial predicament.
Nevertheless, we still want to look different, and we still want people to admiringly glance at us as we enter a room. But how do we do so without simply relying on luxury purchases?
If you think about other non-fashion situations, when humans want to be seen (and usually photographed) – we plop something upon our heads and proceed to parade. Weddings, graduations and trips to Disneyland; where you simply must acquire a set of sequined or fluffy mouse ears for the day.
Judging by the first scratched self portraits we made in caves, we have always worn things upon their heads. It started with simple fur coverings for protection and warmth, but as time passed, we began to use head-wear to denote our roles in society.
We tell people we are bakers, princesses (either wearing crowns or the new romantic fripperies favoured by Diana) and police officers.
Really though, when we get down to it – hats are about making a noise. The eye is always drawn to a person’s face first, so a hat instantly adds distinction to one’s look. With a hat, the wearer is hidden in an ounce of mystery but also nonchalantly screams for attention from across the street (a fact celebrities know well). Of course, sometimes head-wear has been overlooked, depending on the ebb and tide of designer moods. Thankfully the last few seasons have delivered us a wealth of ideas to flaunt upon our noggins.
Little by little, we have started to remember the joy of headwear – with pieces like Marc Jacob’s fun party hats, smile inducing jet planes and abstract bunny ears leading the way. Recent collections flaunted a wealth of toppers – everybody from Lanvin to Ann Demeulemeester did their part and capped models with decadent sculptures. Fresh millinery talents like Justin Smith are offering more hats than ever before; and even on the other side of the world hats are in – Lover’s simple boaters have captured the imagination of thousands.
You’ve now heard it girls and boys, and there’s no excuses not to participate! The way things are going, expect Topshop to have a dedicated head-wear department soon. Those of you looking for custom crafted plumage can find some easily by turning to the online craft portal Etsy. Many niche milliners have found their place there and are doing a roaring trade.
Furthermore, the size of most pieces means whether you opt for a fascinator at the more expressive end of the scale, or simple plaited leather headbands at the latter; your budget is only going to be blown if you’re lead astray and buy too many.
Yes, as affordable as you please, as loud as you want, versatile enough for any occasion you could dream of – coffee dates, space missions and bar mitzvahs alike. Right now hats seem to be the most versatile and stylish way of getting what we want – attention. As the old saying goes – get ahead, get a hat.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Gorgeous pictures, hats are such stand out items now as so few people wear them. I love looking at old photos from the 40s and earlier where no self respecting woman would be seen out of doors without a hat!
Harriet: Dress standards have definitely slipped! Gloves are rarely seen either. I’ve been thinking a little bit about what kind of hat I want to buy next… a bowler hat would be excellent. Now at the top of my shopping wish list! A la Clockwork Orange.
check out http://www.urbanturbans.co.nz