Fashion’s ‘silly little hats’ make a comeback

Brands such as Loro Piana, Thom Browne, Chloé, Courrège, Burberry, and Bottega Veneta have incorporated distinctive hats into their recent collections. Loro Piana featured hats on almost every model, Thom Browne presented straw boaters with mesh coverings, Chloé offered see-through and sailor hats, and Courrège showcased space-age designs. These hats are intended to draw attention and express individuality.

David Long, author of 'The Hats That Made Britain: A History of the Nation Through Its Headwear,' suggests that hats, excluding beanies and baseball caps, offer a rare opportunity for display, allowing wearers to signal their uniqueness in an era of ubiquitous casual clothing. Milliner Noel Stewart, who has worked with brands like Mulberry, JW Anderson, and Valentino, emphasizes that hats are significant signifiers of personality and intent, with the wearer determining whether this message is loud or subtle.

The trend has trickled down to the high street, with retailers like Asos and H&M selling wool and pillbox hat styles reminiscent of Jackie Kennedy. John Galliano's collaboration with Zara includes Napoleonic-style bicorne hats and other unique designs. Pillbox hats were also a notable sight at Copenhagen fashion week, seen as a chic yet understated option.

While some view these hats as a way to stand out from the prevalence of baseball caps, Stewart acknowledges that different hats suit different occasions and that even he wears a baseball cap at times. The article notes that wearing such distinctive hats can still require bravery for everyday wear, with even Kennedy once expressing a preference for not having to wear hats.