Saturday, April 12, 2014

Mad About Hats


The Queen of England is a fashion icon.
For over 60 years, she has reigned with grace and sophistication, all in impeccable style.
Her brightly color blocked outfits have been a staple at every grand occasion;  and no event is complete without the queen donning one of her signature hats.


No doubt, the Royal Wedding of William and Kate reignited the love for hat culture in Britain,
but the sartorial monarch has historically on point with her hat game.
With Springtime and wedding season underway, she will once a gain be a style inspiration for countless outfits.  


The English have perfected the art of hat wearing.
Almost the same way we Americans anticipate the glorious gowns that come down the red carpet during awards season,  
the hats that punctuate a grand English occassion are as unique and the women that wear them.  This season, the runways are loving the hat trend.  After all, what is more chic that a really great hat?


Schiaparelli, one of Paris's most iconic designers returns to the runway in full couture glam, hat and all.
Following it's first runway show since, 1954, Schiaparelli's Spring/Summer 2014 line made its debut in Paris Fashion week and feature some very eclectic headpieces, making a bold statement in creative couture headpieces.


And of course, American fashionistas refused to fall behind on the trend.
New York Fashion Week was very in vogue with Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, and Carolina Herrerra, to name a few, all had models wearing so very du jour hats.


For the British, hats have long been part of their rich history.
Worn as parts of their occupation, as with the Royal Guard, as symbols of class demarcation,
and once upon a time, as a requirement of the law, hat culture in Britain is so sartorially prevalent that it has influenced global fashion tremendously.


Hats have always been a part of the UK' social fabric. Stateside, we have a more whimsical approach to hat wearing, especially when it come to the more elaborate and ornate designs.


Simple hats are worn  to help achieve a certain look, like the "Teddy Boy" look above.


Hats even have the power to present people in a certain way. Are these women witches or are they having a costume tea?


Elaborately decorated hats make more of an American appearance during Easter celebrations
and in events like the Kentucky Derby.


Local Austin milliner, Milli Starr, creates fantastic hats for every occasion imaginable.
Head milliner and owner, Laura Del Vilaggio
creates spectacular headpieces from teh finest materials available.
Each piece is meticulously hand-blocked and hand-stitched using centuries old couture methods, but re-interpreted for a modern lifestyle.


On April 18-19, PRIZE will be hosting a two day trunk show for Milli Starr
Derby Day, Easter, and Wedding Season are upon us,
and Lauren will be in house Friday and Saturday from 12-3 to fit hats and answer any questions. 
Light snakcks and spring drinks will be served while you shop. Check out the Facebook Event here!

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