The Rise And Fall Of Ladies Hats
It almost seems that we have covered our heads since the beginning of time. Initially as protection, hats then became status symbols. Ladies hats have since progressed into an art form. Hats get the attention of onlookers. It is really important for babies to wear a warm hat, especially in winter as we do lose body heat through our heads. At one stage hats were designed and made by using feathers and dyeing them different colors. Gorgeous feathered hats commanded a high price in Edwardian times. Sometimes, whole, stuffed birds were used to create some funny hats. Eventually all this plumage took on a lower profile as certain feathers became banned, due to the outcry from voices who wished to protect the eco systems.
In the 1900′s, it was almost unheard of to go out without a hat on. Ladies could not even venture out to the post box hatless. Regardless of your status, whether you were wealthy or poor, everyone wore a hat. It goes without saying, that some very funny hats were produced during this time, especially if one was unable to afford to purchase one. Ladies of status would change their hats several times a day, or for different occasions. During the wars, most jobs issued uniforms and every uniform came with a hat. Ladies hats were not as fancy but rather more functional for whatever job they were to carry out.
After the war, the wearing of Ladies hats declined. Today, hats are worn for special occasions like weddings or worship. They have never really taken off universally again. The wearing of hats has become more personal and practical. Smaller caps and beanies or knitted berets are worn, mostly to keep warm. Sun hats are worn when it is sunny. The hat has so much potential for drawing attention to the face. A well known fact by fashion designers, who exploit this every now and then. As a design accessory, many funny hats have appeared on the fashion runways worldwide and will continue to do so, in the hope that the hat may be adopted, and rise again!
Photo © zimbio
