“Crown, bonnet or a hat from Locke’s – a hat is the least necessary element of clothing but also the most powerful”.
We are pleased to announce that Clair Hughes, an independent scholar, will be giving a talk at The Bull Hotel, at 2.15pm on HatFest day. It will about Royal Hats, and is titled ‘Uneasy Heads’.
Clair previously held the position of Professor of English and American Literature at the International Christian University, Tokyo, Japan. Her publications include Dressed in Fiction (Berg, 2010) and Henry James and the Art of Dress (2001).
Her recently published book is entitled “Hats”
Bowlers, Bergères, berets and beyond, this is the ultimate guide to hats through history. From the lavish fashion hats of Marie Antoinette’s court to the experimental millinery of Stephen Jones and Philip Treacy, Hats takes us on a beautifully illustrated journey through class conflict, gendered etiquette and national allegiances to reveal the complex cultures from which each style emerged.
Unlike any other element of dress, hats are able to confer a certain presence on the wearer, whilst working to a seemingly arcane system of codes that govern our behaviour. At which occasion is it appropriate to wear a hat? When is it respectful to take hats off? Why did hats fall out of favour?
Structured thematically with issues such as power and disguise, Clair Hughes explores both historical and contemporary styles, as well as their depictions in art, literature and film, with sharp historical insights and playful narratives. Including head-turning designs at world-famous horse races, the hat habits of royal family members, literary mad hatters and French high-fashion millinery by the likes of Poiret, Vionnet and Chanel, this is the authoritative guide to one of the most culturally rich accessories in fashion.
Hats is the first title in the Elements of Dress Series, edited by Susan Vincent.