Many Hatty Returns » Hat Fun

Rich Hat Poor Hat

hatrevivalist — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 01:21:05 +0000

An irresistible Deal

Buskerfest Toronto – Clowns and Mimes

hatrevivalist — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 16:35:19 +0000

Hats off at Buskerfest Toronto 2010

In late August every year we have the annual Buskerfest in Toronto. We have clowns, jugglers, acrobats and mimes among others. It is a lot of fun! This year we had very hot and sunny weather in contrast to the rain of years past. I have to report that it was not a very hatty event although there was creative headgear and I did spot the odd bowler hat. Oh well more work needs to be done. It was a fun event nonetheless. Each year the crowds get bigger. It is a great setting near the flat iron building and the St Lawrence Markets -- a great historical setting.

I do not believe that most of the buskers get paid for their participation. The rely on “donations”from the audience. Scotiabank sponsors the event and also attendees are asked to contribute to Epilepsy research. There are great performers there and they are looking for paid corporate work as well. Please check them out at the Buskerfest website -- . They are great folks but I wish they would wear more hats -- lol!

I stitched together a collage of the experiences at the events. Watch out for the Renfrews -- faux Mounties on Horseback wearing the traditional uniforms with the cowboy hat. Please enjoy the video and why not visit Toronto to see it next year?

www.youtube.com/watch?v=caLQbaqffUI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caLQbaqffUI

If you want to see the names of the performers check out the annotated version on the video on the You Tube video on my Channel (click the link above)

Old Lady does energetic breathing excercises

hatrevivalist — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 20:20:26 +0000

You Bet Your Life 1954

You Bet Your Life was a quiz show hosted by comedian Groucho Marx. It was on the radio in the 1940s and graduated to the television later on. The Grand Prize at that time was $3,000 (quite a sum of money). I was searching for some hatty material and I came across one of the shows with a very interesting contestant. The elderly contestant, Mary Saget, was 78 years old (born circa 1876) she was a very sparky spinster. A spinster by choice she told Groucho. She made Groucho extinguish his trademark cigar. When Groucho reached for another as a prop Mary objected to even that since she could not stand the sight of them.

So how do you keep so young asked Groucho? Well it was healthy food and exercise. Groucho asked Mary to demonstrate her breathing exercises. In the tradition of the day Mary kept her hat securely fastened to her head. The hat seemed quite old fashioned for the early 50s but hey you wear what you like. Clearly she was wearing industrial strength hat pins keeping the hat on. No doubt a habit learned when she was a young woman at the turn of the 20th century.

Here is the segment demonstrating her exercises. It was a hoot! How many 78 year olds can touch their toes (let alone in a short time).

www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FMIzUl-UGQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FMIzUl-UGQ

Mary reminded me so much of my Aunt Lil who was of a similar generation and passed away sadly when she was 72. She even looks like my aunt (great aunt). It goes without saying that she too loved her hats.

You can download this episode and other You Bet Your Life episodes on the Internet Archive website.

Bob Dylan Tribute

hatrevivalist — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 13:59:59 +0000

A Tribute to Bob Dylan

I have been helping a friend do some You Tube videos. Here is the first one. Notice he is wearing a red hat for his performance -- I wonder whose influence is at work there? This was performed at the Toronto CommFFest last year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiKsp-Lxz7E

www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiKsp-Lxz7E

Hatequette for Women

hatrevivalist — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 18:58:09 +0000

Hat wearing etiquette for women

There are a lot fewer rules for hat wearing by women than for men. See my previous post on hat wearing by men. One thing is for sure a woman never doffs (tips) her hat to anyone. If she did this it would certainly be considered strange. Even stranger if any woman were to take off her hat like a man. Perhaps such thing can be seen in stage performances? Of course women in the military would follow the same rules regarding their “cover” as for men (or so I would imagine – can anyone be more specific here?).

The different rules for women developed in the heady days when everyone wore hats. The hats worn by women were an integral part of their outfits and were never removed. Would you ever take off your dress in public? Women would be naked without their hats. In any case removal of one’s best hat would be impracticable in most circumstances as the hat may have been fastened to the hair severely by a series of hat pins. This was certainly the case in Victorian and Edwardian times.

As women dress more in the style of men some might say they should observe rules for men, or at least some of them when wearing such hats. Such occasions would include funeral processions, the display of the Flag, Prayer (depending on the faith), and the playing of the National Anthem.

In the Middle Ages the Catholic Church ordained the wearing of headgear in Church. In those early days these hats were large and elaborate for the upper classes with large cones. It must have been difficult to see over them in Church but still no matter. From the 1960s on the practice of hat wearing in Church has waned somewhat. In Christian Churches the wearing of a proper hat is acceptable and even de rigueur for some. In the USA many African American ladies proudly wear their Church Hats.

The Village Hat Shop refers to the 1963 book by Amy Vanderbilt New Complete Book of Etiquette. Women now have the choice about whether to wear hats for outdoor parties and weddings. In houses where weddings and funerals are conducted indoors the rules are the same as for churches. (There are special rules for different religions)

Women are typically permitted to wear hats that are part of the outfit indoors. But Emily Post advised that a hat should NOT be worn with an evening dress (to me this seems more of a style point than an etiquette point – why not experiment I say). The style mavens of the 1950s and 1960s advise that daytime hats with large brims not be worn inside in the evening. Smaller brim hats should be worn if any hat is worn. Some would say that any dress hat can be worn indoors without exception. (Personally I do not look as good with a small brimmed hat). After dinner is the appropriate time to remove your hat if so inclined. A woman would not normally wear her hat in her own home even in the old days.

Wearing hats at an upscale restaurant is acceptable especially for fancy luncheons and High Teas. Indeed many ladies get together for High Teas where hat wearing is mandatory and is a fun event. Some advise that the hat should be part of your street clothes – a nice dress for example. Perhaps it is not appropriate when wearing a jogging suit or your gardening clothes – but hey some people are eccentric!

In theaters and concerts women are permitted to wear hats. Hats should be removed if they obstruct the view of another patron.

Women should remove their personal hats at work. Of course special headgear for uniforms and protection or for some theatrical performance perhaps might be worn.

There is some debate relating to the wearing of dress hats at Wedding Receptions. Here it seems that one takes the cues from the mothers of the Bride and Groom. When they remove theirs then it is OK to remove yours. If your hat encumbers the service of food take it off.

Another word about baseball caps

If a woman wears a baseball cap can it properly be considered to be a woman’s hat? It is a unisex item I think. It is believed by many that these hats should be removed on solemn occasions and always removed indoors. Some say that for women anything goes and one can wear such hats or any hats indoors. But this is a losing battle I believe the practice of baseball hat wearing has become widespread and the hats are worn every place.

Oh I forgot to mention. Whether you are a man or a woman and you hold your hat in you hand or under your arm never expose the inside lining of the hat.

My final advice use good commonsense and observe the behavior of others unless you like to be a maverick hat wearer like me.

This article has been compiled from various sources and is accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief. Please let me have your clarifying comments. Or perhaps you have something to add?

Milliners Guild New York Bastille Day

hatrevivalist — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 02:34:00 +0000

“
Milliners Guild Bastille Day Promenade – Images by Richard Levine

Ladies Day at Ascot

hatrevivalist — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:31:05 +0000

Some great videos of hats at Ladies Day Ascot June 2010

www.youtube.com/watch?v=xS50ywc5rck

www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1F5oXRC8NU

www.youtube.com/watch?v=1C_GZSzHBpY

HM The Queen Visits Toronto July 2010

hatrevivalist — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 15:55:47 +0000

The Queen’s Toronto Visit

Recently HM Queen Elizabeth completed a great tour of Canada. This tour included Toronto where I live. Of course in every event there was a hat -- matching with the outfit of course.

Two of the highlights of the visit in Toronto came on July 4.

In the morning HM visited St. James Cathedral where she mixed with the regular congregation as well as a large crowd outside. One person had met the Queen on a school visit in Scotland in the late 1950s.

In the afternoon the Queen went to Woodbine Horse Race Track to watch the feature race (the 151st running of the Queen’s Plate) and present the trophy to the winner. I was at the event since I am a lover of horse racing. It was extremely busy and security was extremely tight. I had to not push myself because of health issues so I did not get any good photographs. I did get as close as about 30 meters (100 feet or so) and caught a glimpse of the Queen making here way to the Paddock to view the entrants to the race. Hats are very much encouraged at the Queen’s Plate especially to be worn by women. I would say about a quarter of the women participate in wearing fancy hats (in the premium areas of course hat wearing by women is nearly universal). Men on the other hand are not much of a hatty crowd in general. Of course male horse owners and trainers usually sport top hats and so do visiting dignitaries.

Here is a video of the July 4 events:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GDwW5fm9zo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GDwW5fm9zo

Photographs of HM The Queen

Up close

A friend of mine, Norman Hart, was fortunate to be part of the media scrum at the visit in Toronto. He took some amazing shots of HM in her wonderful hats. They all seem similar in style and of course matching is a must.

Please respect the copyright of these pictures. Norman has given me permission to reproduce these on this blog. All rights remain with Norman Hart. Nothing of course prevents you from sharing this post on Twitter, Facebook or whatever social media.

NOT to be reproduced without expressed permission.

Hats and Horse Races

hatrevivalist — Thu, 13 May 2010 15:55:53 +0000

Finding the Perfect Preakness Hat

The Preakness is coming up this is a great video from You Tube that gives you great hints on choosing a hat for the Preakness and any other race for that matter.

The Preakness is coming up this Saturday. We can look for other great horse racing events to wear our hats over the next few weeks and months. Ascot should be great again!!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5dQZ7uP_bs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5dQZ7uP_bs

The Derby a retrospective

It was too bad that Derby day a couple of weeks ago was wet both for the people and the horses. Rainy days are not very hat friendly for your designer hats. You should be very careful with your fancy hats on rainy days -- best not to get them wet if you want to wear them again. I could not find a video I liked with the hats from this year. This is a great video for planning for next year and it contains some helpful hints for other horse racing events.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCnC0Xrc6Uw

www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCnC0Xrc6Uw

Clothing Show Toronto May 14 to 16

hatrevivalist — Mon, 10 May 2010 21:15:55 +0000

Check out the Clothing Show

Image from Oh Dina

Will you be in Toronto next weekend? If you are in Toronto this weekend you might want to check out the Clothing Show.

The Clothing Show is Canada’s largest vintage and independent designer show and has been in business for 30 years .

There will be over 300 booths to look at and there will be Runway Events over the course of the Show.

There will be a number of exhibitors with hats or other head wear for sale and display. These include:

Oh Dina (above)Late breaking UPDATE Oh Dina will not be at the show but please check out her site I will be profiling it some time in the future.

Ophelie Hats

Dialogue Headwear

Feathered

Headmistress Accessories

You will also be able to discover vendors offering vintage hats and I have found hat boxes there too in the past.

The Show is at the Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto.

National Hat Day in the UK

hatrevivalist — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 23:24:17 +0000

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.

Royal Bank of Canada Mascot: “Arbie”

hatrevivalist — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 02:53:35 +0000

Who is Arbie?

If you are Canadian you will be familiar with the mascot of the Royal Bank Of Canada. He is a little man who wears a bowler hat that never seems to come off of his head no matter what happens to him. Bet you probably did not know his name.

The campaign was dubbed the “Arbie” campaign – well do you get it “R. B.” or Royal Bank. Do not confuse him with Arby’s restaurants.

According to BBDO Toronto the Agency who came up with the idea as part of the “Create” program for the Royal Bank of Canada:

Launched during last summer’s Olympics, the Arbie campaign uses a blue-suited, bowler-hatted animated banker to make RBC feel less conservative and stuffy. This fresh approach to bank advertising includes the animated story of the Muffin Man growing his business beyond his imagination by following Arbie’s advice.

Check out the Royal Bank Create campaign on BBDO’s website

This little guy appears in every piece of Royal Bank of Canada advertising for every product. The picture is a poster on the waterfront in Toronto and is typical of the campaign.

Read more about the Royal Bank branding strategy on this blog post.
Arbie was very prominent at the recent Vancouver Olympics perhaps you might get lucky and get your hands on the Arbie pin?

You can see Arbie in action in this video from BBDO telling the story of Arbie:

http://www.bbdo.ca/en/create-totalwork-campaign-video-39.sn?open=yes

You can also see more of Arbie on You Tube the linked video deals with the RBC sponsorship of the Olympic torch bearing.

It is quite fascinating to me that a little bowler hatted guy is being used to indicate friendliness of a bank. I am from England where a bowler hatted guy in the Financial City of London is considered posh. Perhaps they are thinking that their guy is more like a Charlie Chaplin?

How to make a Victorian/Edwardian Hat

hatrevivalist — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 21:55:17 +0000

This is a great video from Female Impersonator Grae Phillips. Great job this would be a wonderful hat for a local play.

Although Grae describes the hat as a Victorian Hat in the You Tube title it could probably pass for an Edwardian Hat as well . I came across this fun video by chance as I was on a search for things Victorian.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHLsj0T0YIo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHLsj0T0YIo

Grae seems to “wear many hats”. She has designed some great dress up games. One of this games is based on the Titanic looks like fun, it’s a murder mystery. Check it out! She also offers beauty products that are primarily aimed at cross dressers and and the male to female transgendered community at large check it out.

Grae is a fellow Canadian from the Montreal area and performs there. Google her she has appeared on a lot of talk shows.

Happy Easter

hatrevivalist — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 00:01:03 +0000

Easter Hats and Bonnets

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vf4RFMMYbgY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vf4RFMMYbgY

Some fun vintage Easter greeting cards for your pleasure.

Hat Lady puts restaurant in a pickle over a soggy pickle

hatrevivalist — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 16:07:55 +0000

www.youtube.com/watch?v=obLlk7t8r5Y

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obLlk7t8r5Y

This is a vintage commercial from 1965 modified by me to add a reverse motion section. A lady wearing a cheap straw hat with flowers gets angry and trashes a restaurant when served a soggy pickle.

Part of the routine is what I call an “odd job” act. In the Bond Movie a villain (Odd Job) uses a bowler hat to kill his enemies. There is a famous demonstration in the movie where he takes the hat off a statue throwing his reinforced bowler hat. In a recent Myth Busters show this routine was tested and Busted -- the conclusion was this was a movie trick. The odd job routine has become part of the popular culture and was spoofed here in this commercial.

This commercial is part of a collection of public domain commercials on the Internet Archive.

In Praise of the Bowler Hat

hatrevivalist — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 14:53:20 +0000

A Video From Many Hatty Returns

www.youtube.com/watch?v=yb4xj_1SlPw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yb4xj_1SlPw

This video was constructed with public domain images from Wikimedia. The first image in the slide show is Butch Cassidy. No not the guy in the preview thumbnail LOL!

The Bowler Hat Ballet -- Mime Routine

www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TWhM3bSD_k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TWhM3bSD_k

This is a great mime routine a la silent movie using a bowler hat.

Why do Bolivian Women wear Bowler Hats?

www.youtube.com/watch?v=QviYJptPXEM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QviYJptPXEM

This is an excellent video on the custom of wearing Bowler Hats by Bolivian Women. The style actually changes from year to year!

Get your Cholita style hat.

Who invented the Bowler Hat?

You may wonder where the Bowler Hat was invented. Word is that it was devised in 1849 by the London hat makers Thomas and William Bowler to fulfill an order placed by the firm of hatters Lock & Co. of St James’s. Lock & Co. had been commissioned by a customer to design a close-fitting, low-crowned hat to protect his gamekeepers’ heads from low-hanging branches while on horseback. The keepers had previously worn top hats, which were easily knocked off and damaged. (From Wikipedia). The firm of Lock & Co is still in the hat business today and has been since 1676.

The reference to the bowler hat being invented 200 years ago in England is approximately correct within a few years.

Please see my previous post about Bowler Hat Day

Johnny (or Johnnie) Fedora and Alice Bluebonnet

hatrevivalist — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:46:03 +0000

A Love Story featuring two hats

Johnnie Fedora and Alice Bluebonnet is a Walt Disney Cartoon about two hats that fall in love in the window of a department store. It’s all set in the 1890s or early twentieth century. They dream of a hat box made for two and promise lifelong love.

Disaster strikes when Alice is bought for $23.94 (quite a lot of money circa 1900).

Johnnie becomes “gay” once more when he is bought (price unknown). When he is out he looks for Alice far and wide and briefly encounters her singing their song.

One day Johnnie is lost by his owner and gets into some seedy adventures. At one point he is picked up by a shady character and worn during a brawl in a bar. At this point he is desperately seeking Alice and goes back to the old department store haunt. Then ……………….

hey, nonny, nonny, a nice man found Johnnie
And he cut him to fit on his horse’s ears
‘Twas done without malice
For beside him was Alice
And they lived on for years and years

The moral of the story:

You Johnnie Fedoras, you Alice Bluebonnets
Whenever you find yourself blue
You’ll find it’s June in December
If you just remember that true love will come smiling through

Hats on horses were popular at one time here is a picture of one (you can buy reproductions of it on my Cafe Press store)

There are a number of bootleg posts of this cartoon on You Tube (apparently without sanction from Disney). You can get your own copy of the cartoon in the Make Mine Music 1946 movie and reissued in 1954 (it’s on DVD and a great item for kids today although a bit dated perhaps?). There were some very cute cartoons in this compilation.

The song was written by Ray Gilbert and Allie Wribel (copyright MCA). You can find the lyrics here.

The song was sung by the Andrews sisters in the Cartoon, they were very popular then. You can download the song from iTunes as well as a couple of other versions.

Zahi Hawass and his Indiana Jones Hat

hatrevivalist — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:01:53 +0000

Who is Zahi Hawass?

Last Saturday night I attended a talk by Zahi Hawass at the University of Toronto Convocation Hall. Unless you are a history or archaeology buff you may not know Dr Hawass but you probably have seen him on television every time there is a show about ancient Egypt and the latest discoveries. Perhaps Dr Hawass has become the most famous Egyptian supplanting Omar Sharif (remember him in Dr. Zhivago and Lawrence of Arabia)?. So that is what Omar said himself in the video introduction to the talk.

Dr Hawass was in my home town of Toronto in connection with the exhibition of ancient Egyptian artifacts at the Art Gallery of Toronto.(AGO) The Exhibition King Tut The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs ends on April 18, 2010. I made a day of it and combined the lecture with a visit to the Exhibit and a dinner at the restaurant at the Gallery. I loved the Exhibit which featured Tut and other Pharaohs but came away a touch disappointed since there were fewer Tut artifacts than in the previous exhibition in Toronto in the late 1970s. I guess it is deemed unsafe these days to transport the more iconic items. However, I did have a favorite item in the exhibition -- it was a small amulet of a vulture that was worn as a pendent -- it was quite comedic, looking like a caricature with a wry knowing smile. Oh well, I will just have to visit Egypt personally -- anybody with deep pockets want to sponsor me? Dinner was at the AGO’s Frank restaurant. I bought a package deal the exhibit plus dinner. Frank is very much upscale and dinner for one cost eventually cost around $80. The service and the food at Frank was excellent. The restaurant actually called a few days before to confirm and to apologize that certain items were not on the menu. I had the Whitefish and it was excellent.

Back to Dr Hawass and his presentation. His hour and a half presentation with photographs was a series of anecdotes about recent discoveries and recent “digs”. One exciting dig was to find (perhaps) the burial place of Cleopatra and that guy Mark Anthony. Sorry everyone Cleopatra did not have the looks of Elizabeth Taylor judging by face on coins of the day. In another anecdote Dr Hawass told us of the visit of President Obama who spent over an hour with him (see You Tube video below). Dr Hawass gave Obama a hat, the trade mark hat -- more on that in a while.

Zahi Hawass has become a controversial figure in some archaeological circles where archaeology is seen as meticulously siffting through dirt grain by grain and not doing public appearances. He has become a showman. His title Secretary General, Supreme Council of Antiquities conveys that aura. Dr Hawass has done a lot to promote tourism to Egypt and interest in Ancient Civilizations. So what if he hams it up in his Indiana Jones hat? Hats off to him I say and a big high five.

Here are a few You Tube Clips showing Dr Hawass and his marvellous hat.

On Archaeology

www.youtube.com/watch?v=NL-P-zjiCZ4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NL-P-zjiCZ4

The visit of President Obama

www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJtYYvVjYHA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJtYYvVjYHA

The search for the tomb of Anthony and Cleopatra

www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJ4ugRiL8WM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJ4ugRiL8WM

Dr Hawass and the Indiana Jones Hat

So what about the famous hat? It’s a mystery whether Dr Hawass wore a similar hat prior to the Indiana Jones series. He does however, pride himself on his hat being “real”and not made for a movie. Those particular Indiana Jones hats were professionally custom designed. Baron Hats in Hollywood designed at least one of the hats used in the Indiana Jones movies. It’s based on a 1930s style Fedora. You can get your very own upscale replica for $398 in Felt and $498 in Beaver at their website.

Do other archaeologists wear hats? You bet they do. I came across an interesting blog post from archaeologist Paul Barford who blogged about the Zahi Hawass Hat.

Barford had got the replica of the Hawass hat and seemed a little disappointed that it did not seem to be an exact replica.(Materials used are different for example and there appeared to be very minor style differences).Really this is not a problem and the hat costs only $45.

Barford’s post was very informative being as it was by an insider in the profession of archaeology. He noted that:

…. hats are themselves an interesting phenomenon, and in certain parts of our milieu have become a part of the archaeological dress code. A few years ago I did a count of the archaeologists working in Europe and beyond who habitually wore them and it came to (as I recall) sixteen (more than Mick Aston striped sweaters).

The Hawass hat is being sold for charity. The label inside says(in part):

DR ZAHI HAWASS REPLICA EXCAVATION HAT/ This is an exact replica of my famous excavation hat. All profits from sales of this hat will go to fund the Suzanne Mubarak Children’s Museum in Cairo (100% wool, made in the people’s Republic of China

You can get your own Zahi Hawass replica hat at the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto, at least until April 18, 2010. I saw it there. You can also get the hat at this vendor website

Although Paul Barford is a self confessed non hat person he did a comparison of the Hawass and Jones hats. Yes, a close examination of the two hats reveals a number of design differences. The Indiana Jones Hat being highly stylized. Barford noted that the Indiana Jones hat has a higher crown and wider hat band, although both appear to be made of felt (being more sun friendly than leather). He noted that the Jones hat was more pinched in the front than the Hawass hat. OK Paul this pinch is known as the “Dent” (see also RCMP Hat). Read more about hat parts in my post on the subject.

Contact Dr Hawass

You can contact Dr Hawass at his website. You can also follow him on Twitter. If you want to be a friend of his on Facebook submit a note saying why. Dr Hawass is currently looking for funds for Chair of Egyptology at the American Museum in Cairo (AUC). What about it Microsoft or Google why not match funds with individual contributors?

Bowler Hat Day

hatrevivalist — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:38:36 +0000

Bowler Hat Day in the City of London England is February 11, 2010

Bowler Hat Day in the City of London celebrates the age old tradition of white collar workers wearing a Bowler in the City. There are still Bowler Hat wearers today but I do not believe that the practice is as prevalent as it used to be. It was the custom for even lower level workers to wear bowler hats even if there was only a packed lunch and newspaper in the briefcase. It was a kind of uniform. (The man in the picture seems to have left his briefcase at the office? Perhaps one takes a laptop computer there now – to play games over lunch perhaps? But I digress. Of course they are all hard working men.)

Bowler Hat Day is organised to raise money for SOS Children’s Villages, who care for orphaned children, during World Orphan Week. The focus this year is of course the dreadful situation in Haiti but even under “usual” circumstances the Charity notes that
Every 2.2 seconds a child loses a parent.

So what happens on Bowler Hat Day? Felt and Plastic Bowler hats are offered for sale with proceeds going to the charity. You can also buy a pin if you wish. The festivities take place in Leadenhall Market in the City. This year the a choral sensation Eschoir will be performing along with a great jazz band and everybody will be having fun with plenty of games and activities. There are a number of other events also. For more information please visit the Bowler Hat Day website. Sounds like a fun event if you are in the City of London on February 11. And such a good cause too – you can of course donate even if you are unable to get to the City of London.

(Props to How2Hats for the lead on this story)

Image Credit

From Wikimedia Commons

under GNU Free Documentation Licence – with attribution

Photographer Fredrik Tersmeden

Five Reasons why you might want to wear your baseball cap backwards

hatrevivalist — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 19:33:27 +0000

I wondered why there is a craze of wearing baseball caps back to front and did a bit of research on this. Well here are five answers to get us started:

To play catcher in a baseball game.

If you are applying for the position of Umpire in baseball.

You are making a gesture of defiance (perhaps a gang member?).

You want to shade the back of your neck and do not have a French Foreign Legion Kepi handy.

You are taking a photograph and do not want the peak to block the lens.

All these reasons have been put forward as reasons why people (young men in particular) wear baseball caps backward. I have even seen caps worn to the side. You might suggest that the wearing of caps in this manner is considered hip. So many young men are wearing caps this way that it has become the norm. If you wear hats the “right” way are you considered to be a geek I wonder?

You can see some great photos of young men with baseball caps in various positions in the latest edition of LifeStyle fitted magazine

I have even seen a baseball style cap with two peaks. It was design against the two perils of sun and rain. The particular cap was for golf and not baseball. We know that golfers like, dare I mention, Tiger Woods wear baseball caps when golfing.

Nobody really knows for sure how this practice of wearing baseball caps backwards actually began. It might have been observed originally on baseball catchers (so that their line of vision is not impaired). Now it seems to be hip and is associated with urban “punk” type gangs. They may not mean to be malicious but even so the wearing of caps this was is banned in some schools I hear.

The back to front habit should not be confused with the inside out practice during a baseball game when your team has fallen behind and nears cheerleading to come back.In this case a more radical approach of turning the cap inside out seems to be employed. This is called the rally cap.

I would like to hear from you. Do you have any ideas about why baseball caps are worn back to front?

Having Fun with the Red Hat Ladies

hatrevivalist — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:15:18 +0000

An interview with Ann Jordan-Mills

I recently interviewed Ann Jordan-Mills, fellow Canadian and also fellow Brit Ex Pat about the Red Hat Society (RHS). These ladies wear red hats to their meetings and events. Ann is a keen and satisfied Red Hatter. She admits to and indeed is proud of being over 50 and eligible to be a full member of RHS.

Ann told me about how the society was formed, its objectives, and the fun things women do at the RHS events. She let me have a few photographs from the events and I have included them here by kind permission (not for publication outside this blog).

Ann and I are fellow graduates of blogging training programs of Yaro Starak. You can read more (the 5 reasons I recommend Yaro) at this link (yes I am an affiliate and get a commission if you join through me).

Enjoy the broadcast!

Click Here to Download mp3

All Rights to photographs Reserved

Click Here for the Red Hat Society Website

Read the Poem that started it all here

Fast Facts about the Red Hat Society

National Hat Day January 15

hatrevivalist — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 19:16:06 +0000

Get your (vintage) hat on for National Hat Day

(By Norma Shephard the Hat Lady)

Norma has an extensive hat collection that she shares with the world. She maintains the mobile millinery museum and costume archive. Thank you Norma for this lovely post.

If there’s anything better for the winter blahs than a new hat, it’s a new-to-you vintage chapeau. And what better way to spend National Hat Day (Jan 15th) than browsing flea markets, thrift stores, and antique stalls for that perfect, albeit dusty perhaps, millinery specimen.

Whether you’re looking for something to wear —– the sky is the limit here, just look at all of the wild and crazy new hats people are sporting these days—or a collectible with designer caché, your search will be worth the effort. While second hand shops may not be exactly brimming with old hats, there are bound to be some interesting toppers stacked, tucked, or stashed in a corner somewhere. Be sure to use your imagination when flipping through these piles. A discarded hat that needs steaming or blocking, may not at first give away its Old Hollywood charm or 1960s chic, so try to imagine the piece in its former glory.

And whether your taste for texture runs to soft and sturdy beaver felt, or rough, nubby straw, enjoy the look and feel of materials that were used to produce the millinery treasures of long ago. Linger over the labels as well, enjoying the period graphics. Examine them closely for clues as to the history of the hats. Is the piece in your hand a Paris Original? Does the label bear the maker’s address or contact information? Some can be found with 5-digit phone numbers. Others have managed to retain their price tag and/or original hatbox.

If you are blessed with any psychic abilities, try to discern what type of person owned the hat. Where did she go in it? What did she wear it with? You’ll soon find yourself buried in nostalgia.

Most importantly, buy the hat. Bring it home, wear it, display it on your bureau, or in some way pay tribute to the imaginative and skilled milliners of long ago. That’s what National Hat Day is for.

Lastly, if you’re in the area on January 15th, I invite you to attend my Open House Millinery Exhibit from 2 – 4 P.M. at Heritage Place, 4151 Kilmer Drive, Burlington, Ontario. This is a free event with ample free parking. Happy Hat Day,

Norma Shephard
www.thehatmuseum.org
nshephard@cogeco.ca

Hat Life Awards for 2009

hatrevivalist — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 21:37:17 +0000

Headwear industry is alive and well

Each year Hat Life recognizes a number of people and organizations who have made significant contributions to the world of hats during the year.

A website, blog, headwear designer, importer, supplier, manufacturer or retailer who made a worthwhile contribution to the headwear industry in 2009.

The process involved submitting a nomination of an individual to Hat Life and each nomination was carefully reviewed by volunteer judges.

The Award recipients are included in Hat Life’s media campaign and profiled in the Hat Life Directory.

And, the Awards for 2009 went to…

Here is a list of the 2009 award recipients. You can click on the names to see the Hat Life blurb on each individual.

Felicity Faichney and Fenella Kerr

Jasmine Zorlu

Jenny Gerst-Pfanenstiel

Owen and Catherine Morse Brown

Congratulations to everyone. I am happy that David Dunkley from my home city of Toronto was presented with an Award. He is very creative and I personally own one of his creations. Hey Kat Toronto from San Francisco I love your work and you have such a great name.

Subscribe to the Hat Life Newsletter

Are you subscribed to the Hat Life Newsletter and are you getting your copy of the Hat life annual directory? This has been published for nearly 140 years so they must be doing something right. It is full of useful reference information. Among the many uses are to:

Find potential buyers for your products and services
Find fabric, trimming, manufacturers, suppliers, knitters, domestic and overseas production and importers in the headwear industry
Get contact information of hat retailers around the world

It is an indispensable resource for all players in the hat business worldwide.

Get your free subscription to the Hat Life Newsletter and stay current on happenings in the hat industry. Click below

Yes FTC this is an affiliate link and I will receive a percentage of the price to support my efforts here.

Get your copy of the Hat Life Directory

You can support this blog by purchasing the directory through the link. I would really appreciate the support and it is a useful resource. I am doing a review of the Directory for a future post here.

In Retrospective 2009

hatrevivalist — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 20:24:02 +0000

www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fsld2s6zNQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fsld2s6zNQ

This video is a look back at some of the highlights in this blog over the last year. A special thank you to Lisa Shaub, Lisa Battaglia, Maria Curcic and Jolie of Red Dusk Jewellery.

Happy Holidays!!

hatrevivalist — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 22:10:41 +0000

I wish everyone Happy Holidays and a healthy and prosperous New Year. Here Santa wears a hat of holly bringing bountiful gifts. All the best to the readers of this blog and remember all the best gifts are not material. Health and friendship to all! Thank you for your continuing support of this blog.

I have been unwell for the last two weeks and have been slowed down to a crawl. Sorry I have not posted here but I hope to get back to regular posting very soon.

Here’s to many more months and years of speaking about hats and bringing them back into general style.

If you are traveling over the holiday season please stay safe.

All the best to you, your families and friends.

Cheers and all the best for the season!

The Queen and her lovely hats

hatrevivalist — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 16:04:29 +0000

www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuD19DXA5OM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuD19DXA5OM

The Queen’s visit to Bermuda and Trinidad and Tobago courtesy of the Royal Channel on You Tube. I just love her hats. I do notice though she favours a certain shape with different colours and matching outfits. Thanks to Her Majesty for her continuing to “show the hat flag”. Congratulations and kudos to the two loyal Bermudan ladies in the video sporting their best hats in support of the Queen.

Read more in Bermuda’s Royal Gazatte about her visit to Bermuda, complete with video.

What is the Pook?

hatrevivalist — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:54:14 +0000

Last Friday I visited the One of a Kind Show in Toronto and discovered the Pook Toque ™. The Pook Toque ™ is a tuque with something extra – two sock flaps are on each side. The addition of the sock flaps is the innovation that allows the knitted cap to transform into many different styles and shapes.

The moose (typically Canadian) involves stuffing gloves into each of the socks to create antlers. Then there is the Donald Trump comb – over effect - one of the flaps is folded over to one side. Or perhaps you prefer both flaps folded over in a kind of Donald Trump squared. All kinds of effects can created by rolling, bending, tying or curling the sock flaps. You can even turn the flaps inside out and tuck them in so they are not visible at all.

Each Pook Toque™ comes with an illustration sheet showing what effects you can achieve. Here are a few:

Turkish

Rastafarian

The Wave

Robin Hood

Elephant

George Washington

Turtle Neck

Well you need to see it to believe and understand it. You can find this illustration sheet on the Pook site

Where did the funky name come from you ask? Believe it or not one of the co founders of the company is Tony Pook. The other partner is Kevin McCotter.

Catch the CTV Vancouver interview on You Tube

You will not want to miss the demonstration of how to transform the basic hat into multiple styles.

The spelling used by the Pook folks is “Toque” rather than Tuque but essentially they are used synonymously with the two different spellings. The spelling “Toque” actually sometimes refers to a chef’s hat.

The term tuque originated in Canada. A piece of headwear designed to keep the cold out.

According to the Wikipedia entry on tuques:

A tuque is a knitted cap, originally of wool though now often of synthetic fibers, that is designed to provide warmth in winter. Most tuques are tapered, they sometimes have ear-flaps…Tuques may have a folded brim, or none, and may be worn tightly fitting the head or loose on top although the latter is considered more standard.

Happy American Thanksgiving

hatrevivalist — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:27:50 +0000

Picture is a hat shop from 1822.

Happy Thanksgiving to all Americans do not forget to support your local hat shop while shopping.

Mimi Weddell: Started modelling career at 65 passed away at 94

hatrevivalist — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:48:24 +0000

Mimi Weddell was a well known New York personality on the fashion scene. She was well known for her wearing of hats for the sheer joy of it as well as the style statement. Here are some choice quotes from the New York Times related to her wearing of hats:

Mrs. Weddell excelled, above all, at striking glamorous attitudes, waving her cigarette holder and sporting one of the 150 or so hats she regarded less as a style statement than as a physical necessity, like oxygen.

“Hats give you a frame,” she told The Times in 2008. “However dreary you feel, if you put on a hat, by golly, you’ve changed everything. I keep telling my daughter, my granddaughter, everybody, ‘If you don’t wear a hat, you’re missing it.’ ”

Mimi was a very active person who worked out. A documentary film about her was made I am glad to say and you can get your copy at her Website. Here is a synopsis of the movie followed by the trailer.

Hats Off captures the essence of this most unusual woman, named at age 90 by New York Magazine as one of the “50 Most Beautiful People in New York,” whose full-time acting career began at age 65 upon the passing of her husband, and whose daily routine mocks the traditional image of old age. From grueling 14-hour days at cattle call auditions to her weekly gymnastics and dance workouts, Mimi Weddell exudes a ‘can-do, will-do’ attitude in the face of life’s trials and tribulations, and moves through her challenges with grace, encouraging us all to be more than we are.

Mrs Weddell passed away September 24 2009 a few weeks ago. Please read her New York Times Obituary.

You can read more about Mrs Weddell here in another New York Times article.

Life begins at 65, perhaps not but it does not have to end there. I love these inspirational stories. You will be uplifted by this if you are the “wrong”side of 5o. Please enjoy and go to the website for the movie. Long live hat wearing – RIP Mimi and thank you for being a big promoter of hat wearing!!

Red Dusk Jewellery: More than Jewellery

hatrevivalist — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:52:04 +0000

Hats and more with a feminine style

www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5DMB1QXUGg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5DMB1QXUGg

http://www.redduskjewellery.com/

All designs are the copyright of Red Dusk Jewellery.

I hope you enjoy the review of the site and looking at the designs. Please let Jolie know what you think. She is a good Face book and Twitter buddy. Her name Jolieske Loosjes is pronounced Yo -- Liska Low Shes -- rhymes with atrocious she says with a laugh. She is very creative and is not atrocious.

Check out the song in the Mary Poppins movie song sang by Julie Andrews Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious (check out the link for a sing along) for some similar rhymes.

I love the non hat stuff on Jolie’s site too like the show girl and bustier offerings.

Why you will have bad luck if you put your hat on the bed

hatrevivalist — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:06:48 +0000

Did you know that putting your hat on your bed may be unlucky?

Perhaps you are not superstitious? You don’t sweat over walking under a ladder. You are not in the least worried if a black cat walks in front of you. There is no stress if you break your mirror. Further you certainly don’t believe that touching or even kissing a frog will give you warts.

On the other hand even if you don’t believe in any of this stuff you avoid doing it anyway in case there IS something to it. (Something like reading your horoscope in the daily newspaper).

I was wondering why I am having no luck these days. Perhaps I can win the lottery if I only kept my hats off my bed. I confess that there have been many hats on my bed. Should I stop or maybe I have garnered enough bad luck to last three life times? Enough already!!!

When hat wearing was common there were many references to this superstition. I see it all the time in the vintage movies I watch. I am addicted to the old movies and the lovely hats in them.

So, is there any factual basis for this bad luck prognosis? Like all these things there is little documentation of beliefs that are handed down over the generations.

A couple of suggested explanations:

In the old days people did not wash as much as they do today. Lice in the hair was a huge problem. The lice would go from hair to hat in no time flat. When you put your hat on the bed the lice would jump on to the bed as you will have shaken them loose. My question is when you take your hat off and lie down on the bed the lice would jump on the pillow in any event – yuck!!!
The supernatural brings another explanation. It was believed that evil spirits lived in the hair (not surprising since there were a lot of living creatures there!). You can transfer the evil spirits from hair to hat and then to bed. All kinds of nasty spirits would get you at night!! The myth got magnified if some warm dry night you throw your hat on the bed and there are sparks from static electricity – the devil at work no less. You could go to hell for less sorcery. It is really really unlucky to throw your hat on the bed for this reason. I think it is really unlucky to throw your best fashion hat anywhere!!

Some valid questions were raised at this blog post about Italian superstitions. How is this hat on the bed rule to be applied?

Can one throw all one’s clothing on the bed except the hat?
If I hang the hat on a bed post does that count?
What if the hat rests on top of something in actual contact with the bed?
What if the hat is inside something else in contact with the bed – a coat for example?
Are all hats dangerous when on a bed or is it just brimmed hats?

Good questions – do our readers have more questions?

As I mentioned before there are references to this superstition in the popular culture. Please read the blog post on this at the Village Hat Shop.

The movie Drugstore Cowboy is one such reference in relatively recent times. I have not seen the movie and it is not one I really feel the urge to watch. The main character was obsessed by the superstition that it may have led to murder. All this craziness came from a botched drug heist where one of the gang put her hat on the bed. Read more ….

Well what does everyone think of this? Do you have any bad experiences from leaving your hat on the bed? Perhaps one drunken night you left your best high fashion hat on the bed and then accidently laid down on it – an ouch moment!

Props also to this reference about superstitions.

Happy Halloween!!!

hatrevivalist — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:44:29 +0000

What’s wrong in this picture?

hatrevivalist — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:47:30 +0000

You can find out the answer at this link to one of my previous posts.

It’s not his unpolished shoes!!

Hilarious Halloween Hats

hatrevivalist — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:45:21 +0000

www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVEuAFVD344

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVEuAFVD344

Just came across his great video of very strange Halloween Hats.

You can actualy get your very own SPAM can hat a the official SPAM website. You will have to save it for next year.

A Hat Lover Reviews Etsy

hatrevivalist — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:32:36 +0000

www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIeudBmWg90

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIeudBmWg90

My review of the Etsy website through the eyes of a hat lover. It’s a place for crafters to buy and sell.

Bonwit Teller & Co

hatrevivalist — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:10:29 +0000

This is a 1920 advertisement for the famous store Bonwit Teller & Co. It was upscale and frequented by celebrities. In this advertisement they are offering replicas (points of origin are the only points of differentiation apparently) of Paris hat designs. It is doubtful that one could copy designs now in the same manner due to current international copyright laws. Well this is now that was then. (Caution I am not a lawyer and have no ambitions in that direction please do not take this as legal advice, or commentary, or opinion, common sense definitely applies however). I just admire the design in the picture. A voyage on an ocean liner was expensive in time and money even for the wealthy who were the Bonwit Teller clients.

Apparently Ostrich Feathers were still in vogue in the early 1920s. The folks at PETA and many others would grimace at the fur stole being worn. You can still have the look with the faux fur we have now. I personally prefer no heads tails or legs in my fur garments.

Some quick facts about Bonwit Teller & Co

The store was opened by Paul Bonwit in 1895

In the 1980s the company’s flagship location (referred to in the advertisement) was sold and became the original Trump Tower

The company’s logo was the Primrose

The chain is currently out of active business notwithstanding the attempts at revival during the 1990s

The brand name is currently owned by River West Brands who announced a revival of the Bonwit Teller & Co Brand last year. There has been no corporate announcement that I can find since then. (Check out the other brands they own, including Coleco – I loved my Colecovision game – oh it belonged to my children). Frankly I have heard so much about the heyday of Bonwit Teller I cannot wait until the reincarnation although I suspect this may have to be after our current financial crisis. I was not able to get any confirmation as to timing.

Source in part from this page.

Hat Day in Buren in the Netherlands

hatrevivalist — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:49:54 +0000

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jzkg1J-wJTY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jzkg1J-wJTY

From the csweerischannel on You Tube

Props to how2hats.com Newsletter for drawing my attention to this event. Dutch milliner Margriet Verweij was quoted as their source. Apparently it has been running for 10 years and this will be the last unless someone revives it. This is great someone revive it please!! In fact there should be a hat day everywhere -- perhaps on the same day. What do you think? What would be the best day?

The web link about this event (with pictures) is in Dutch. But you can get Google translation of this. If I can only figure it out? Buren is in the Eastern Netherlands and has a strong link to the Dutch Royal Family -- there is a museum about the Dutch Royal Family in the town.

By the way how2hats.com in the UK has instructional videos on hat making and it’s well worth checking out.

What if Edwardian Women could have sat on a Jury?

hatrevivalist — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:07:32 +0000

This is a cartoon showing what if there were an all women jury in late Victorian/Edwardian times. As far as I know women did not sit on Juries at that time since the qualification was, I believe, that you had to be an elector and women did not have the vote at that time. It is quite a strata of society represented and the only woman without a hat is the obvious pauper. There is even a very butch woman wearing a man’s hat. How times have changed since it has become very common as many of you know for women to wear hats such as the trilby adapted for female wear and you do not have to be butch to wear them.

The cartoon is by Charles Dana Gibson and is in the Public Domain. Charles Gibson was an illustrator and came up with the famous Gibson Girl series for a 20 year period straddling the Late Victorian/ Edwardian period arrount the turn of the 19th century to the 20th century.

Those Awful Hats!

hatrevivalist — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:43:08 +0000

www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjsfwWZ6thE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjsfwWZ6thE

This is a video clip from 1909 made by D. W. Griffith showing the stresses in the movie theatre of sitting behind women wearing the oversize hats of the period -- its really funny. Check out the You Tube link and read more information there.

If you like this please check out my earlier post on the same subject.

Making a Cowboy Hat out of Wood

hatrevivalist — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:28:46 +0000

www.youtube.com/watch?v=u68R5mEE8h0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u68R5mEE8h0

Dolce & Gabbana Fur and Hats have returned

hatrevivalist — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:44:58 +0000

Joan Crawford would be proud

Check out Joan Crawford

Check out the Dolce & Gabbana latest runway collection shown on Vogue TV – just click and watch on the link below.

http://www.vogue.tv/#Watch/Video_Player/5/341

It’s really an entertaining and imaginative presentation – fur (faux I imagine) – is back together with our favorite hats that remind me of hats I have seen in the 1930s classic movies. But wait, what are the Mutton Chop (exaggerated) sleeves reminiscent of the 1890s (they were gay you know but not that way)? The platform shoes seem kinda like an Austin Powers movie. All in all great spirit – the hats make the day. I’m just having fun and love it guys – really.

Let me know your impressions of this collection by commenting on this post.

By the way please visit the Dolce & Gabbana website for more eye candy – they even have an iPhone Application.

How to make a cycling cap

hatrevivalist — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 21:45:58 +0000

www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGx6FQfg3Is

You can also view the video on the following link that has additional comments.

http://www.threadbanger.com/tb-projects/episode/THR_20090417

You can visit the Threadbanger site on You Tube for more how to videos including hats. The site is very interesting I must confess though that I have not actually learned to do all of this stuff myself I am a not really clever with my hands like that. I can admire the process though.

Classic Scenes and Bold Hats

hatrevivalist — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:00:59 +0000

http://www.flickr.com/groups/classic-scenes-bold-hats/pool/show/with/3946335124/

Goorin Brothers are holding a photo contest Classic Scenes and Bold Hats please check it out. Entry deadline is October 18.

Think a very hatty vintage scene.

In a single photo they are looking for creativity showing:

* Historic Settings
* Antique Fashions
* Boldness of character
* One or more people wearing Goorin hats
* Creative use of historical reference
* Creating a complete world we can believe in
* Elegant and beautiful photography
* Involve your family and friends

Interview with Lisa Battaglia

hatrevivalist — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:05:58 +0000

Free-form Hat Making from Lisa Battaglia

This post is an interview with Milliner Lisa Battaglia. Lisa has a very different (from the usual blocking approach) way of hat making which she describes on her site http://www.lisabattaglia.com as follows:

Lisa uses the traditional technique of free-form draping to create her hats. Using a wooden hat form, she drapes, twists and sculpts the material, and then hand stitches the folds to create her signature looks. Each piece is an intricate, beautiful work of art in and of itself. Most of Lisa’s hats can be worn several different ways to fit the occasion or match your mood.

Enjoy the Broadcast:

Please right click here to download the broadcast

(Choose the “Save Link As” option)

A selection of Lisa’s hats from her Fall Collection

(The Buttercup was referenced in the interview)

I hope you enjoyed the interview.

Check out Lisa’s Blog.

Props to the Hat Life Directory for some of the information on Lisa.

Hat Life Announces new Award Category for Hat Lovers

hatrevivalist — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:18:37 +0000

Hat Life Hat Lover Award

Hat Life the headwear industry bible, has added a new category to their annual Hatty Awards for people who are passionate about hats. This award recognizes the customers who support the business of hat making. Up until now the award was only for headwear designers, manufacturers and suppliers.

“We realized that without the consumer buying and collecting hats, there would be no retail headwear business. And despite the economic downturn, headwear sales continue to soar,” said Hat Life Editor, Diane Feen.

The first ever Hatty Awards for the trade were given out in 2008 and were met with great enthusiasm and tremendous success. Headwear Industry leaders (and newcomers) who strive for excellence took home Hatty Awards for 2008. Winners included KOKIN (hatter to the stars), Mainland Headwear Holdings, designer and hat instructor Eia Radosavljevic, Legendary Headwear, New York hatter Ellen Christine, Lisa Battaglia, Lina Stein and others.

But this year Hat Life decided to add a new category to honor hat lovers and headwear enthusiasts (of all ages) who not only love wearing hats, but find the act of buying hats a thrill. “Some of our readers have confessed that they have as many as 500 hats in their hat collection,” adds Feen.

To win a Hatty Award, nominees must submit complete the entry form (with pictures) by October 15, 2009. Winners will be profiled in the Annual Hat Life Book, a 350-page headwear resource and trend guide with articles about all aspects of the headwear industry (as well as a list of thousands of retail and wholesale resources).

You can nominate yourself or another company or individual. You should get your nominations submitted by October 15 2009.

The winners will be included in Hat Life’s media campaign and profiled in the 2010 Hat Life book. Watch for the announcement of winners on December 15, 2009

Fill out the questionnaire and send photos – Get your application at:
http://www.hatlife.com/hatty_awards.php

If you have questions please contact the Hat Life people at support@hatlife.com or call 877.428.5433.

Are you subscribed to the Hat Life Newsletter and are you getting your copy of the Hat life annual directory? This has been published for 137 years so they must be doing something right. It is full of useful reference information. Among the many uses are to:

Find potential buyers for your products and services
Find fabric, trimming, manufacturers, suppliers, knitters, domestic and overseas production and importers in the headwear industry
Get contact information of hat retailers around the world

It is an indispensible resource for all players in the hat business worldwide.

Get your free subscription to the Hat Life Newsletter and stay current on happenings in the hat industry. Click below

POST SCRIPT
I interviewed Lisa Battaglia one of the winners of an award last year and I am in the editing phase – please stay tuned for a discussion of her creative process of making hats.

Today is International Talk Like a Pirate Day

hatrevivalist — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 16:25:50 +0000

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Question for readers – what is the type of hat being worn by the two Pirates? (Hints it’s from the 18th century classic pirate era + hope you don’t think it’s too corny)

How to Wear a Hat: Squidoo Lens

hatrevivalist — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:35:12 +0000

A Twitter Buddy of Mine has a Squidoo Lens on how to wear a hat.

You can find the lens at this link.

Its a fun lens with links to some interesting material and a brief description of different hat styles. Some great hints on how to wear a hat.

So what is a Squidoo Lens?

Squidoo is the brainchild of Seth Godin - you can also find out more here.

So what is this “lens” thing anyway? Anyone can construct a lens about pretty much any subject within the usual bounds. It can be your favorite topic or hobby horse. The best way of finding out more is to download the PDF from Squidoo.

You can have multiple lenses. In fact word is that most of the successful people have multiple lenses. There are templates on the site and you can “get your feet wet” by constructing your first lens in under an hour. You can and should go back to update the lens. Several months ago I experimented with a lens about pet hats but I am guilty of inaction on updating it. I plan a second look at a later date.

There are revenue sharing opportunities through your lens. Check it out and see if it fits in your social media time budget.

Clothing Show Toronto

hatrevivalist — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:59:23 +0000

Fall Toronto Clothing Show September 25 – 27, 2009

The Clothing Show is coming to Toronto at the end of this month. The Gallery above is only a sample from a few of the hat exhibitors that will be on display at the show. The Show is at the Better Living Centre at Exhibition Place here in Toronto.

The Clothing Show is Canada’s largest vintage and new independent designer show and has been in business for 30 years according to their website.

There will be over 300 booths to look at and there will be Runway Events over the course of the Show.

There will be a number of exhibitors with hats or other head wear for sale and display. These include:

I have/will get a few tickets for the show to give away here on the blog. So far I have one pair to give away an I am expecting a few more. If you will be in Toronto and you are interested in the free tickets please send me a note through the Contact Box on this blog ASAP.

Please be sure to contact me through the contact box – eie mail rather than as a blog comment so I can get your coordinates

UPDATE

The pair of tickets I had has been claimed – I may get more – feel free to ask to be on a waiting list in case I do.

Hats on Dolls

hatrevivalist — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 19:06:07 +0000

Right click on the images and open in a new tab or window for a closer view.

These are hand made dolls on display at the Distillery District in Toronto, Canada. Please see http://www.dollcollection.ca

Hats by Anne Livingston, Toronto Milliner

hatrevivalist — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 16:48:01 +0000

Anne Livingston is a Toronto Milliner. She exhibits her work at the Toronto St Lawrence Market outdoors. Check out her blog for some great pictures from last week’s Buskerfest. There is a link to me. I’ll leave it at that. I tried on one of her great creations – a black hat 1930s style – a wonderful design.

Victorian Hat Inspiration

hatrevivalist — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 04:13:50 +0000

This is a recent acquisition to my Vintage photo collection focusing on hats. From the clothing it is late Victorian. It’s bonnet inspired although it is not like the Regency Bonnets of around 1840 – enjoy!!

It’s sheer elegance!!

Hat fun at the Toronto Buskerfest

hatrevivalist — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:58:18 +0000

Last weekend we had the Annual Buskerfest here in Toronto. There was quite a bit of rain but there were sunshine moments. Buskers come from all over the world to perform here. The event is sponsored by one of our Canadian Banks. Donations are requested for Epilepsy research and admission is free to the street festival.

I thought it would be fun to share some of the fun here – especially the wonderful tall hat I bought for $10 Canadian – it is a great conversation piece. It stayed up for an hour and a half and then flopped. I found out later that the secret to keeping it erect is to put your arms in and stretch it – it is quite an effort but a lot of fun. Perhaps I can be the Cat in The Hat for Halloween? Reminds me I should do a post about the Cat in the Hat sometime?

Make a hatty avatar in less than 3 minutes

hatrevivalist — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:32:43 +0000

Last week I noticed that one of my Twitter buddies had changed her Avatar on Twitter. It was Rhonda Lane who writes a horse-focused blog at the horsey set.net.

Rhonda is also a fellow student of Yaro Starak and Gideon Shalwick. Please read more here about Yaro and Gideon.

She told me she did her Avatar on a very fun website Madmenyourself.com.

Lately I have taken to using my own picture on social media but I like to use avatars on some sites and on others I use the real picture and mix it up with avatars that are graphics once in a while. The Mad Men Yourself site is great and it only took me a few minutes to produce the graphics above. I’m not sure that they accurately depict me but I was out to convey my spirit. In particular, I liked the fact that there was a prominent hat available to use in the avatar – that is of course a must.

Check it out and have fun. These avatars are great fun especially if you want to remain a bit anonymous on line. I am an active user on Twitter and I find the lack of an avatar or picture in a Profile a bit of turn off and I think more than twice about following back. Why not use a cool avatar? (I personally believe that a smiling picture is best on Twitter – your own – but an avatar beats the ugly brown default image).

500 hats to forestall foreclosure

hatrevivalist — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:48:20 +0000

A twitter follower drew my attention to this story.

You can find tweets about it at hashtag #500hats. A couple is trying to sell 500 hats during the month of August to forestall foreclosure. The hats are hand knitted and sell for $10 each. You can wear them yourself or donate to charity.

Pleas go to the Squidoo Lens for 500 Hats for more information.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYULoTdvYms

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYULoTdvYms

Interview with Lisa Shaub New York, NY Milliner Part two

hatrevivalist — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:35:21 +0000

Above pictures are Lisa Shaub in her creations

This is part 2 of an interview with New York Milliner Lisa Shaub. Part one was posted last week – please be sure to check it out.

In this part Lisa tells about when Britney Spears came to her store you wont want to miss it!

Please right click to download the mp3 file.

You can find more information about Lisa at her Website. You can also go on a virtual tour of her store on this link.

Lisa mentioned the Milliners Guild. This is a group of Milliners concerned with the sustainability of the practice of Millinery. Their mission:

The Milliners Guild is an organization of small millinery business owners and milliners who specialize in the design, production and promotion of handmade headwear.

The group is committed to increasing the public profile of millinery as well as the public’s awareness and interest in millinery products.

The Guild is dedicated to working together to maintain and expand resources in order to ensure a steady flow of raw materials.

Through a collective website, special events and educational seminars,the guild will provide consistent communication about this thriving and contemporary industry to the public, press and students of the craft

Need I say it, you can check out Britney Spears at her Website.

Thanks to Lisa and calling others to participate

Thanks to Lisa for being my first interview. I am new to this and I plan on doing more broadcasting.

Would you like to be interviewed?

Are you a hat designer?

Do you have a hat business?

Are you are supplier to the hat trade?

Do you have a skill such as crochet that can be applied to Millinery?

Are you a performer that uses hats as a part of establishing your profile/branding?

Are you a power hat wearer and want to talk about it?

Do you have a friend or relative past or present that wears (wore) hats proudly?

Do you have an interesting hat story to tell?

Please help me get the hat wearing story out there so we can encourage more to participate in the growing hat revolution.

Please Contact me on the Contact box on this blog and start the discussion on how you can be involved.

Horses and Hats

hatrevivalist — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 12:48:39 +0000

This picture is indirectly related to hats since both of the men on the cart are wearing hats.

The image is a recent acquisition. I have no real clues as to date since dray carts were used until the mid 20th century – albeit in a limited fashion. The picture is attached to Cabinet Card stock. Cabinet cards were on the wane in the period immediately prior to the First World War. I believe this to be a picture taken around 1910 but I stand to be corrected if you have any other ideas.

When I looked at this picture under a high resolution scan I saw they were carrying tomatoes for/from a company called Dominion Canning (I tried researching the company but was not able to find any useful information). The sign on the window of the building on the left reads Canadian Bank of Commerce. Not an elaborate sign – maybe it was a sub branch? The Bank merged in the 1960s and eventually became CIBC (Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce on merger with the Imperial Bank).

I like the Greek fisherman’s cap on the driver’s assistant.

The two horses in the picture are great. They seem to be posing for the picture and are very well behaved. Horses used for haulage are/were specially bred. Check out more information here.

COMING SOON

Please stay tuned for part 2 of the interview with Lisa Shaub.

Interview with Lisa Shaub New York, NY Milliner Part one

hatrevivalist — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 17:39:57 +0000

This is the first podcast interview in what I hope will be a continuing series. Lisa Shaub a New York Milliner was kind enough to give me her time and discuss some aspects of the hat business and her background and business in particular.

The interview is presented in two parts and here is the first part.

Please right click here to download the mp3 file to your computer

Part 2 of the interview can be found in a later post here

The introduction and exit music is called Mornington Crescent and is Royalty Free Music purchased from Shockwave Sound. You can purchase a variety of music for you projects at their website.

In the first part of the interview goes into what it takes to be a successful milliner and how she got into the business. Also find out the craziest hat she ever made.

You can find more information about Lisa at her Website. You can also go on a virtual tour of her store on this link.

Here is a picture of the storefront of her New York Store, Lisa Shaub Fine Millinery.

Notes and references made during this part.

The Fashion Institute of Technology New York New York (FIT)

This is where Lisa received some of her Millinery training.

Ann Albrizio was one of Lisa’s instructors at FIT. This lady recently passed away earlier this year at a ripe old age. Albrizio co-authored a book on Millinery (now appears to be out of print but can be obtained second hand) entitled Classic Millinery Techniques: A guide to Making & Designing Today’s Hats (December 2001).

According to the description:

Take basic sewing skills, add half a yard of fabric, and make one of 15 custom hats designed by an award-winning milliner. More than 250 illustrations guide you from drafting patterns to creating classic, head-turning hats. Start with a shirred beret, move on to a cloche, pillbox, or sailor hat.

A couple of other Designers were referenced in the discussion.

More information about Stephen Jones can be found on his website. Here is information on where you can find Gabriella Ligenza. Examples of Ligenza’s work can be found on Pebbles Hats site.

Part 2 of this interview will be published here very shortly – please check in and stay tuned.

Yes! But is it really Cricket?

hatrevivalist — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 01:12:41 +0000

This is a fun photograph it seems to be a group having fun after a Cricket Match (Game). This is another of my recent acquisitions. It looks like it is late Victorian (in the 1890s) based on the look of the women’s dresses and size of their hats. The photograph seems to be from the Victorian period – it is a Cabinet Card that has started to yellow – another clue. It’s all totally crazy – the score card numbers are everywhere and I don’t know what the significance of who has what number – an in joke perhaps?

A lot of different hats here. Kudos to the man in the centre of the back row – very smartly dressed in a bowler.

Two of the men are still wearing their protective cricket pads and some of the women are holding cricket bats. Was this a co-ed game – probably not, probably just horsing around. The young lady in the middle of the middle row pretending to bowl (pitch) the ball looks like someone to contend with. There is a “person” next to her dressed in a bonnet – a man playing around and probably not a true cross dresser.

Altogether a fun photo – I think it’s Canadian too and we here are not really huge cricket fans (maybe an English import of a photo taken in the UK).

The Harley Davidson Hat Parade 1920s style

hatrevivalist — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 16:19:10 +0000

Harley Davidson 1925 style

This is a great image I picked up at the Antique Market a few months ago. It appears to be an amateur photograph and no information was written on the picture. Maybe the dashing rider was a relative of the photographer or he/she was just crazy about Harleys?

I went to the Harley Davidson site to identify the period. The bike in the picture appears to be from 1925. Any comments? It’s certainly cool. I like the rider’s hat and goggles. The bike is really shiny and he looks like he’s ready for a race. All the men and boys are sporting hats of all kinds. Like the race track picture I posted the other day no women (unless in disguise). What no biker girls in the mid 1920s?

A Victorian Hat Morph Picture

hatrevivalist — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 21:33:20 +0000

Made with Morpheus Photo Animation Suite

Hope you like this. I plan on making some more ambitious creations with vintage hat photographs and posting them to You Tube.

Darla (The Hat Revivalist) in Profile

hatrevivalist — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 23:10:02 +0000

I was on the Toronto Waterfront this afternoon near where I live and a silhoette artist busking there cut out the above profile of me – I thought I would share it with you.

Wilber Hall and his Bowler (Derby) Hat

hatrevivalist — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:06:17 +0000

www.youtube.com/watch?v=meuNWgl2ko8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meuNWgl2ko8

This is a very amusing video I found on You Tube that was shown as related to my first video. Don’t really know except he is wearing a cool hat. I looked for information on this particular Wilber Hall (Willie?) but could not find this specific individual -- anyone know the background? More performers should wear a hat.

How Felt Floppy Hats are Made

hatrevivalist — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 17:21:34 +0000

A video on the making of floppy felt hats from Barons Hats in Burbank California

www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXW2RKOxyco

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXW2RKOxyco

Carribana Festival in Toronto

hatrevivalist — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 23:07:48 +0000

Afro fun is in Toronto. The big parade will be on Saturday August 1, 2009. The picture is of a costume for the parade. It has a Pirate theme complete with Pirate Hat. Afro people from all over come to Toronto for the events around the Caribana Festival. More information can be found at this link.

Here is a You Tube Video of last year’s parade.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHpYIP4Mutg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHpYIP4Mutg

Here is another one

www.youtube.com/watch?v=1S7gVradVCo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1S7gVradVCo

You can see that the Parade is fun in the mode of the famous Trinidad festivities at their Carnival. The name of the festival “Caribana” comes from the Carribean theme of the event of course. It has come to embrace Afro culture in general. Afro people come to Toronto to celebrate their culture mostly from the Islands and the USA. Of course it is for everybody and us locals have fun too. A few years ago I participated with a woman friend of mine who is from Trinidad originally. You sign up with a band. Each band has a theme costume and you pay for your fancy costume personally -- they are not overly expensive however. There is a large army of volunteers that make the costumes and they have had a lot of practice and do a great job. The set pieces like the one in the picture take a long time to get together and several months go into the planning. Everyone prays for good weather.

The costumes are colorful with bright headdresses. You can see from the videos that they do not involve wearing a lot of clothes. The year I was in the parade I took a cab to the parade which is held at the Lakeshore in Toronto. I could not get a cab back so I took the bus!!! It caused quite a stir but it was fun. There was a downpour of rain but this simply added to the fun. I am a person with Nordic skin so I was easily spotted. Although it is an Afro celebration everybody is more than welcome and there are many cultures here in Toronto that support and prticipate.

Men’s Hats at the Horse Races 1920s style

hatrevivalist — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 19:42:21 +0000

Photograph provided by permission from the City of Toronto Archives

City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1244, Item 2575

A lot has been written about women’s hats at the races and I recently wrote a post about my trip to the Queen’s Plate last month. Not much has been written about the wearing of hats by men at the horse races. Some men still wear bowlers and top hats to the races on special occasions. However, this photograph of men betting at the race track shows that the wearing of hats for everyday wear in the 1920s was common place. There is a veritable sea of hats in the picture. You can spot boaters and bowlers in abundance together with driving caps. There is at least one top hat wearer (during the day yet) – see if you can spot it!

Was this “Men’s Day”where are the ladies? Perhaps it was not considered lady like to line up at the bookies to place a bet – not computerized tote then. A very different time.

Vintage Pictures on Video

hatrevivalist — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:40:54 +0000

This is my very first You tube video. You can view the video on the You Tube Site and embed it or share it on social media sites. This is the Link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBpDIhBGbfc

The music is Midnight Bells by Heuberger which was obtained from Shockwave Sound. This and other Royalty Free Music can be obtained for your projects at their site

http://www.shockwave-sound.com/a/3d9b299782

Michael Jackson’s Hats

hatrevivalist — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:49:36 +0000

Check out the Guardian Website for some iconic Michael Jackson Clothing including the Equestrian hat and the famous Fedora Hat. Click Here.

Some Bush Supporters

hatrevivalist — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 12:14:49 +0000

Here are some early Bush supporters – a picture from Eastern Europe in the 1930s. This guy is so keen he wears a bush as a hat.

Best Golf Hats

hatrevivalist — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 19:30:48 +0000

Hat Style on the golf course

It’s that time of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and the golf season is in full swing (pun intended). Don’t forget a hat to fend off the elements and to look stylish on the golf course.

Check out Wicked Worm golf hats – they are practical and yet have a certain style. It’s baseball meets the French Foreign Legion. The twin peak design obviates the practice of turning the baseball cap back to front. This is certainly frowned on at the best golf clubs. The two peaks are set at different angles to the crown. Whilst the front peak protects the face from the elements, the back of the neck is protected from sunburn and rain running down the neck and getting inside your waterproof clothing. The elasticated inner hat band is designed to keep the hat from flying off in the most windy conditions (hey it’s British OK). The hat is made in the UK from micro fibre. Unfortunately the makers have added two tee holders to the side of the hat – this makes it look a bit like a joke hat (why not add a powered fan for those hot days – only joking). Maybe stylish golfers can be creative and put feathers in the tee holders (or something else?).

Well at least one can try to be creative on the golf course. Yes you need protection from the elements but you don’t have to opt to the baseball cap like Tiger Woods or the Visor favored by many women golfers. Of the two the baseball cap does a better job of protecting the head from the sun which can burn through your hair to your scalp. Many women still favour the visor probably because it minimizes “hat head” which definitely ruins any hair style.

You can be stylish on the course and wear a Panama Hat for example. Be creative – there are some interesting hats in the 1980 movie comedy “Caddyshack”.

Here is a gallery of alternative hat styles for golf brought to you by Aaron’s Hats.

Alternative Hats for Golf

Fun dress up 1890s style

hatrevivalist — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:38:48 +0000

I just obtained this very interesting and delightful image of a group of friends posing in hats. From the sleeves on the women’s dresses I believe the date is around the mid 1890s but I may be wrong. It has a late Victorian rather than an Edwardian feel to it.

Take a close look at the person in the centre of the picture who is dressed up in male attire. I have looked at it fairly closely and believe that this may be a woman dressed up as a man. This was quite a lark in Victorian times and did not necessarily mean that the woman was gay. It was just a statement – you know it was “a man’s world” at the time. Author George Elliot who died in 1880 was actually a woman. Probably quite a trip for ladies to dress up in men’s clothes and drink port – a kind of Victorian parody. Most of the talk about homosexuallity was around men and not women and transgender was not part of the vocabulary. The 1890s was the “Gay Nineties” but then it meant something different – a bit like the 1920s partying period.

Why do I think the person appears female?

The facial features are very smooth and the person appears to be beyond puberty.
Hands are quite small.
There is a feminine looking ring on the left hand – looks like an engagement ring.
The bowler (derby) hat sits very high on the head rather than just above the ears as it should sit (Bolivian women style). Probably this is due to the hat sitting on top of masses of hair as worn by women in the age.
The figure is shot straight on but appears to have no side burns – they were quite common in men during the period.
Eye brows appear plucked.
The Jacket appears way too oversized and sits uncomfortably on the person.

There is no clue on the writing on the back of the picture taken in London, Ontario Canada. It says “Amy Skill and friends”. Is Amy the figure in the middle?

In any event is a fun image. We do think that stuff like cross dressing is quite recent but actually that’s not true and as I say it did not indicate an LBGT tendency necessariy. Kind of a cool lark I think in this case.

Any thoughts about this?

I love the hats on the two people each side of the male figure. The hats are well pinned and perched on top of enormous bee hive type hair styles. It must have taken hours to comb out the hair.

Crazy Balloon Hat

hatrevivalist — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:00:30 +0000

Here is a picture of Robert a friend who does balloon characters for kids at the waterfront in Toronto. If you see him please give him a tip and say hi from Darla!

Check out his great balloon hat!

Canada Day retrospective

hatrevivalist — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:48:41 +0000

Last Wednesday was our National Holiday in Canada. Here are some pictures of some kids doing a re-enactment of Fife and Drum bands and Red Coat troops. They work at Old Fort York in Toronto. I love the really tall hats and plumes. You can see women are allowed in the groups unlike in the early 19th. Century Regency period.

All the best for the forthcoming July 4 weekend to our American Friends.

The Queen’s Plate 150th Edition: A hat extravaganza

hatrevivalist — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 04:57:02 +0000

Last June 21, 2009 was the 150Th running of the Queen’s Plate horse race in Toronto. It is no Ascot or Kentucky Derby yet but it is the occasion for many people, especially women, to wear their best hat. There is also a representative of the Queen of England in attendance.(This year it was David Onley). The Queen is of course also the Queen of Canada. The monarch adds 50 guineas to the purse – now $1million dollars Canadian. Originally a guinea was 21 shillings or 5% more than a pound sterling and used in a variety of auction situations in the UK – notwithstanding decimalization in the early 1970s the tradition continues.

You can read more about the Queen’s Plate on this link. It is the oldest thoroughbred horse race in North America and run over a distance of 1 1/4 miles.

This year the race was won by Eye of the Leopard. Darla Sycamore (me the hat revivalist) was at the race. Originally I planned to do a first video production but rain had threatened so I just took a small digital camera. You can see my pictures in the gallery above. The highlight is me wearing a very fancy hat I found at the Antique Market here in Toronto. It is actually a bowler hat and someone painstakingly glued several silk flowers to the bowler. The result is wonderful although the hat is quite warm to wear on a hot steamy day. This is the price of fashion. Enjoy!

Darla and her party hat

hatrevivalist — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:52:47 +0000

Hi I’m back I took a bit of an unscheduled break. It was my birthday on June 26. I had a Karaoke Party on the rooftop at a friend’s building. Here I am wearing my straw hat and singing Hey Jude.

Sorry for the break. I plan some hat fun during the summer and beyond. Tomorrow I will post some very Hatty pictures from the Queen’s Plate Race last June 21 here in Toronto. You will see me in a very flowery hat I bought at the Antique Market in Toronto. Thank you for staying tuned to the blog I appreciate your support.

Really Crazy Hats!

hatrevivalist — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:31:03 +0000

Concept hats that will drive you crazy with laughter

The Life.com site recently published a wild slide show with some really crazy hats.

Many of these hats were actually “worn” at the world famous Royal Ascot meet. Incidentally Royal Ascot is being held over this weekend. Undoubtedly an event on the Social Calendar in Aristocratic Britain and one where hat wearing by both men and women is mandatory. In women’s hats it is not generally believed that one should hold back and be too conservative.

Here is a list and a bit of a commentary on the hats displayed:

1. Mmmm Cheesy

A very (I mean very) large hat being a replica of a slab of blue cheese (made for a giant)

(Royal Ascot 2008)

2. King Kong would love this one

A felt hat shaped like a replica (a good one) of a Gorilla’s hand.

(1953)

3. Berry Nice

A dish of strawberries on a hat resembling the grill on one of those 1970s round barbeque’s.

(Ascot – date not given)

4. Gooooooaaall!

A very large replica of a soccer field

(Ascot 2004)

5. A big hit at the Office

A hat featuring rubber duckies and a large sign “I paid for this hat on expenses”.

(Ascot 2009)

6. Yes, the sink’s in there too

A large blue hat surmounted by a large replica bathroom

(Ascot 2008)

7. Just Say Naught

Fancy horse head hats

(Ascot 2007)

8. Someone is Very Patriotic

A very creative hat based on the British Union Jack flag and a heart motif – my personal favorite.

(Ascot 2007)

9. Guess who’s the butt of the joke?

A very large replica ashtray and cigarette

(Ascot 2007)

10. How Dainty: Watercress Sandwiches

A large helping of Watercress Sandwiches – Yummy

(Ascot 2008)

11. The Race is On

A kind of turban like hat with fake turf and very plastic looking horse models – tacky.

(Ascot 2006)

12. Staying Cool

A very large replica of a “99″Ice Cream cone – a British ice cream treat Vanilla ice cream in a cone with a Cadbury flake – a personal favorite treat – but not in a hat thanks.

(Ascot 2009)

13. Head Stands

A model of the stands at Ascot.

(Ascot 2008)

14. The World on her Shoulders

A strange collar with names of European Countries – not the whole world.

(Ascot 1973)

15. We bet this one got a great reception.

A large replica cell phone on a large brimmed blue hat – bizarre.

(Ascot 1992)

16. All that Jazz

Creative musical head wear featuring a very large trumpet.

(Sep 2005)

17. Our Daily Bread

Salvador Dali wears a replica loaf of bread.

(1958)

18. A Hat of Note

A creative hat made of sheet music

(Sep 2005)

19 We’ll be the Judge of that.

A trucker hat – how did THAT get in there?

Well many of the hats appeared or are due to appear at Royal Ascot. If you like Horse Racing and the whole ambiance of horse racing and the hat wearing you may also wish to check out another Life slide show featuring horse racing events and their fans from many eras and different countries many of the feature hats.

Check out the Life.com website for many great images and a nostalgic look at hat wearing in past periods.

Many Hatty Returns » Hat Fun

Rich Hat Poor Hat

An irresistible Deal

Buskerfest Toronto – Clowns and Mimes

Hats off at Buskerfest Toronto 2010

Old Lady does energetic breathing excercises

You Bet Your Life 1954

Bob Dylan Tribute

A Tribute to Bob Dylan

Hatequette for Women

Hat wearing etiquette for women

Milliners Guild New York Bastille Day

Ladies Day at Ascot

Some great videos of hats at Ladies Day Ascot June 2010

HM The Queen Visits Toronto July 2010

The Queen’s Toronto Visit

Here is a video of the July 4 events:

Photographs of HM The Queen

Hats and Horse Races

Finding the Perfect Preakness Hat

The Derby a retrospective

Clothing Show Toronto May 14 to 16

Check out the Clothing Show

National Hat Day in the UK

First Ever National Hat Day in the UK

Royal Bank of Canada Mascot: “Arbie”

Who is Arbie?

How to make a Victorian/Edwardian Hat

This is a great video from Female Impersonator Grae Phillips. Great job this would be a wonderful hat for a local play.

Happy Easter

Easter Hats and Bonnets

Hat Lady puts restaurant in a pickle over a soggy pickle

In Praise of the Bowler Hat

A Video From Many Hatty Returns

The Bowler Hat Ballet -- Mime Routine

Why do Bolivian Women wear Bowler Hats?

Who invented the Bowler Hat?

Related Post

Johnny (or Johnnie) Fedora and Alice Bluebonnet

A Love Story featuring two hats

Zahi Hawass and his Indiana Jones Hat

Who is Zahi Hawass?

Dr Hawass and the Indiana Jones Hat

Contact Dr Hawass

Bowler Hat Day

Bowler Hat Day in the City of London England is February 11, 2010

Five Reasons why you might want to wear your baseball cap backwards

Having Fun with the Red Hat Ladies

An interview with Ann Jordan-Mills

National Hat Day January 15

Get your (vintage) hat on for National Hat Day

Hat Life Awards for 2009

Headwear industry is alive and well

And, the Awards for 2009 went to…

Subscribe to the Hat Life Newsletter

Get your copy of the Hat Life Directory

In Retrospective 2009

Happy Holidays!!

The Queen and her lovely hats

What is the Pook?

Happy American Thanksgiving

Mimi Weddell: Started modelling career at 65 passed away at 94

Red Dusk Jewellery: More than Jewellery

Hats and more with a feminine style

Why you will have bad luck if you put your hat on the bed

Did you know that putting your hat on your bed may be unlucky?

Happy Halloween!!!

What’s wrong in this picture?

Hilarious Halloween Hats

A Hat Lover Reviews Etsy

Bonwit Teller & Co

Some quick facts about Bonwit Teller & Co

Hat Day in Buren in the Netherlands

What if Edwardian Women could have sat on a Jury?

Those Awful Hats!

Making a Cowboy Hat out of Wood

Dolce & Gabbana Fur and Hats have returned

Joan Crawford would be proud

How to make a cycling cap

Classic Scenes and Bold Hats