First Ever National Hat Day in the UK
I just got my newsletter from how2hats. In this issue they announce the first ever UK National Hat Day all centred around Royal Ascot on June 16. Hats are very special indeed at Ascot. Men will wear their elegant top hats and sometimes bowlers and women try one up womanish (just coined this) in very elegant and creative hats. Very often these hats are for effect and not practical. How can you forget the Ascot scene in “My Fair Lady”? Audrey Hepburn was absolutely smashing in the oversize black and white hat. Arguably the scene makes the movie the best hat movie ever. However I was also impressed by the opening scene in Gigi. But of course Cecil Beaton was the designer for both movies. I will post about the My Fair Lady Hat closer to Ascot time.
How2hats quotes Jennie Prest of www.queens-hat.com who says, A hat is as traditional in Britain as strawberries and cream. During the summer hats are everywhere, from catwalk couture to bonnets and beanies. More and more ladies choose a hat to complete their outfit and there is no better occasion than Royal Ascot to showcase the Great British Hat. Therefore, we declare Wednesday June 16th to be National Hat Day.
Image:Hat by Hélène de Saint Lager – French milliner
It is very appropo to reference the Queen today since it was her birthday today (when I am writing the article). Bless her heart and she is a great hat wearing ambassador. Every Year queens-hat.com speculate on the colour and style of The Queen’s Hat at Ascot. They note:
Fashions come and go, but Her Majesty’s style remains timeless. The rest of us may try and outdo her but we all know that, come the Royal Parade on each day of the festival, we can’t touch her for taste, sophistication and enduring elegance
So what do you do on National Hat Day? Here are a few ideas from how2hats
- Wear your hat to work, school or around town
- Plan a local hat show or hat charity fundraising event
- Host a special high tea or cocktail party – hats required!
- Get together with other hat lovers for an afternoon of hat making
They are looking for other ideas. Please post your comments on this blog and I will pass them on to how2hats.
Wearing your hat to work, school or around town should be a daily event you do not need a special event as an excuse in my opinion. The other ideas are a good start though.
Incidently January 15 is National Hat Day in the USA. See the previous post here.
How2hats suggests that June 16 be celebrated as International Hat Day. That’s a good idea since every day should be hat day in any case. I would be interested in your views on other candidates for International Hat Day. How about St Catherine’s Day in November as another candidate for International Hat Day? St Catherines is the patron saint of milliners among other things. Please drop a note here with your suggestions.
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France is attending to the International Hat Day !