Red Rogue

The 1940s calot is a small, brimless cap that perches on the back of the head. It was designed specifically to show off freshly styled hair, and was held on the head with combs or bobby pins. To make up for the lack of brim, the calot was decorated instead with large flowers, big bows or ornate appliqué.

I stumbled across a 1940s white and navy hat on a random Google search that I instantly fell in love with and purchased. On the same site I spotted this ‘1940s vintage red novelty hat beanie style with tassels and blue flowers collegiate style New York Creations’, as the seller comprehensively described it.

I am invariably drawn to red, and this wool hat looked just so darned cute I had to have it too.

I am invariably drawn to red, and this wool hat looked just so darned cute I had to have it too. There’s something about the style of it that makes me feel roguish wearing it – it must be because the tassels are just so jaunty! (Tassels and pompoms are two of my favourite things.) It is a pity one of the tassels is missing its blue flower, but one must expect a certain amount of wear and tear on well-loved vintage items.

I must say I’m really looking forward to autumn this year so I can start wearing some of my winter hats again. 

Photo: June 2013