I love hats. I really do. For me there's just something about them that sets them apart from other articles of clothing or accessories. They have a certain edge to them. When millinery shops were prevalant, or when department stores had millinery departments, the ability to customize hats for specific people, events or looks separated them from the pack. Hats were, and is in some places, are a niche that women or men could express their individuality with a single clothing item with impact. It's in this expression that symbols reside about the person wearing the hat, and the wear's relationship between society and themselves.
The role of hats in our society are not what they once were. There is a rich and deep history of the relationship between society and hats. In the 20th century as fashion moved forward with social change, hats didn't keep up. There's not one determining factor that could explain it. The symbolism however has survived. There's a distinct level of symbolism involved in hats and society, and in that symbolism there are stories to be told, including the role of hats.
Over the next couple of Saturdays, I'm going to explore this symbolism. I hope you find it as fascinating as I do.
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