The rules to wearing a summer hat and five brands to check out before your 2018 holiday
Fashion bloggers and influencers may be convinced 2018 will be the year of the supersized hat, but there are plenty of fashionable alternatives to get you through the hotter months
Every summer there’s one big hat trend that takes over our Instagram feeds. If last year was all about Eugenia Kim’s Do Not Disturb straw hat, 2018 will be remembered as the year of the supersized style. The look was first spotted on the spring/summer catwalks of French brand Jacquemus and has quickly been embraced by bloggers and influencers.
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The reality is that an XXL hat is tricky to pull off in real life (or fit into your suitcase for that matter!) Fortunately, there are plenty of stylish alternatives to get you through the hotter months.
“Straw hats are always a must have for the summer, especially classic fedoras in pop colours. We are also seeing a very strong trend in softer hats such as baseball, newsboy caps and berets. These styles can easily transition through to the cooler months,” says Eugenie Leung, senior buyer for accessories at On Pedder in Hong Kong’s Central district.
Experts suggest that you always consider your personal style before choosing your summer hat. For example, if you dress sportily then opt for a visor, while the boater is great for a Mediterranean holiday. The turban or headscarf, loved by brands such as Gucci and Prada, is great for those wanting to make a fashion statement, while details such as colours, fabrications and embellishments can add a unique touch.
Last but not least, where and when you are wearing the hat can also affect your final selection.
“For styling hats in the city, you want to go for clean lines and solid hues as opposed to rustic materials and multicoloured patterns,” says stylist Lucia Tait Tolani, the founder of Pair, a by-invitation only personal styling service. “When adding a hat to your favourite beach look, you can go bold and bohemian. Sensi Studios handwoven straw versions featuring ornamental bands are easy to match, while Missoni Mare presents whimsical elements such as cut-outs and rainbow motifs.”
Five hat brands to own this summer
The Paris-based milliner was founded in Paris in 1936. Known for its couture creations, it was acquired by fashion brand Chanel in the 1990s and eventually launched its own in-house label in 2006. Designed by creative director Priscilla Royer, the spring/summer 2018 collection features a wide range of fashionable styles, including bucket hats, houndstooth caps embroidered with badges and straw hats decorated with flowers.
Available at On Pedder, New World Tower, Central, tel: 2118 3489.
Former fashion buyer Danni Griffiths started out making crocheted wool accessories in 2010 before launching her now bestselling collection of hats, all made by hand at a small millinery factory in New York. The brand’s look is polished and sophisticated, with sculptural styles accented with hand finishes, vibrant colours and thought-out design details. This summer look out for straw hats with frayed edges and cotton gauze ties.
Launched in 2009, Onia is more of a lifestyle brand with a focus on travel and often collaborates with boutique manufacturers. Its hat line has fast become a favourite with men and women thanks to its playful, quirky designs.
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The current collection features a range of panama straw hats covered in summery prints including flamingos, bananas and red chilli peppers.
Yestadt Millinery approaches hatmaking as an art and mixes old-world craftsmanship with modern design. The brand was founded in 2009 by Molly Yestadt, a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York who has also collaborated with the likes of Marc Jacobs, Thom Browne and Phillip Lim.
Often referencing vintage silhouettes, Yestadt’s designs take their cues from catwalk trends – so expect straw hats with fashion-forward details such as Breton-inspired stripes, pink tassels and raffia fringing.
Californian designer Anne Hamro moved to Italy 25 years ago and was created a hat line inspired by her passion for the handmade. After immersing herself in traditional Italian millinery, she launched Filu Hats in 2013. Each piece is made using materials from where the hat style originated (so the straw for Toyo hats is sourced from Japan, while panamas feature Ecuadorean raffia).
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She also adds her own twist, with unconventional materials and techniques such as feathers and hand painting.
