Hats take off

‘Encrusted crustaceous cartwheel’ made to order by Sean Barrett (designed by Sue Blane and David Perry for the film ‘Absolute Beginners’); bustier, Saint Laurent Rive Gauche; jet beads, Butler & Wilson. Ph: Paolo Roversi; Harpers & Queen (UK).

‘Let hats take off. Some striking examples demonstrate the extreme hattiness of the moment. How it’s done? Tongue in chic. A surreal trick of judgment with wild surmise. Surprise? Classic distortion, upholstery, plat du jour perch above the stark silhouette of something sexy and understated.’

Heart hat of guardsman’s lambskin and fake astrakhan designed by Kirstin Woodward for Karl Lagerfeld for Fendi. Body, ski pants, belt, Azzedine Alaïa; gauntlets, Saint Laurent Rive Gauche. Ph: Paolo Roversi; Harpers & Queen (UK).

Recently I saw the Salvador Dali exhibition at the NGV International, which I enjoyed very much. Most of you will know that the Surrealists inspired fashion designers of the time, such as Elsa Schiaparelli, who collaborated with Dali on more than one occasion. Dali himself dabbled in the fashion world.

Inspired by the exhibition and my own love of hats, I bring you these images beautifully photographed by Paolo Roversi*.

Clothing credits unavailable. Ph: Paolo Roversi; Harpers & Queen (UK).

*Note: I believe these are from Harpers & Queen, although it is possible they are from British Vogue (though by the use of font, I think not).