Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Top Hats and Fedoras – Presidential Inauguration or Pop Culture Awards Show?

While the debate continues whether or not gentlemen's hats have disappeared from the political spectrum for good, pop culture icons like British comedian Russell Brand and singer Ne-Yo showed us traditional men's hats are not lost forever.


The long awaited 2009 MTV Video Music Awards aired a few weeks ago, and not to anyone's surprise there were as many unexpected outbursts and actions this year as in years past. Thank you, Kanye West, for rushing the stage during Taylor Swift's acceptance speech for Best Female Video. We now have more to talk about than your collection of white sunglasses.


But what I look forward to every year with the MTV VMA's is all of the new styles. No other awards show truly welcomes the originality of each artist's fashion sense. From classy evening gowns to over-the-top lace body suits that cover your face (Lady Gaga wins the award for most outrageous!) we're always in for a treat.



Hosting the awards for the second year in a row, Russell Brand did not disappoint with his edgy British style. Dressed with ultra-skinny pants, he adorned his attire with a top hat! Brand offered a new spin on this traditionally old men's hat to give pop culture a look at how we can take something from the past and turn it into a piece that works with fashion today.



Then of course, all eyes turned to Ne-Yo as a performer and presenter this year. Known for his trendy headwear, Ne-Yo stood true to his style in a variety of fedora hats. Almost always topping his look with black hats, he looks stylish and sexy with the traditional men's hat turned into a trendy compliment for all his clothes. Now, if the fedora could make all men look as good as Ne-Yo, that would be perfect!



After an exciting evening of performances and awards, we have seen some interesting changes from some artists and classics that work so well they need not be changed. Whether you want the edgy style of Russell Brand or sultry style of Ne-Yo, be sure to top it off with a hat!


-Katie
Hats in the Belfry

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Hats Off to 2010 Headwear Hall of Fame Inductees

Three showbiz icons and three modern day performers were chosen as the newest inductees into The Headwear Association's Headwear Hall of Fame.

Whether singing, acting, dancing or serving as a goodwill ambassador, this year's inductees literally wear many hats including stylish ones in their off-screen lives.

The 2010 Headwear Hall of Fame inductees include:
  • Humphrey Bogart
  • Audrey Hepburn
  • Jennifer Lopez
  • Sarah Jessica Parker
  • Brad Pitt
  • Frank Sinatra
Annually, The Headwear Association recognizes the positive influence of famous hat wearers by choosing six people to be inducted into the Headwear Hall of Fame. These inductees comprise current day hat wearers as well as early influencers that have had a positive impact on the evolution of hat wearing and headwear fashion.

Winners will be formally inducted into the Headwear Hall of Fame during The Headwear Association's annual gala dinner on Thursday, March 18, 2010 at the Central Park Boathouse in New York City.