Category Archives: All About Design

More Multiples: Countess of Wessex’s Double Hump Stovepipe Cloches

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 When the Countess of Wessex last stepped out in a hat in mid December, it was in her burgundy felt stovepipe cloche with flying bow. The distinct points on the top of this design’s crown make it a unique shape; interestingly, Sophie has two other hats, also by Philip Treacy, with this same unmistakeable feature:

Hat #1: Mad of ecru straw, this hat first appeared at Ascot on June 19, 2001

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Hat #2: A variation in snakeskin printed straw trimmed with a spray of striped pheasant feathers on the side. First worn for the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall’s wedding in 2005.

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Hat #3: Boldest version in deep maroon felt with a flying bow. First worn to the Cheltenham Races on March 15, 2006.

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While I love to see an unusual millinery shape (they certainly keep things lively for us!), this one feels firmly rooted in the  in the early 2000s when oversize hats were the rage. Compared to today’s face framing halo bandeaux and perchers, the shape feels a bit harsh.

What do you think of this Philip Treacy experimental shape? Which version of this hat do you think worked best?

Photos from Getty as indicated 

Monday Multiples: Princess Beatrix

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To mark Princess Beatrix’s 83rd birthday yesterday, we’re taking a closer look a lilac straw hat with wide kettle brim she has paired with three floral ensembles:

Look #1: With a purple, pink, turquoise and orange gerbera daisy printed tunic worn July 1, 2008 to christen Holland America’s Eurodam ship

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Look #2:  With a coffee orchid-printed silk chiffon ruffled jacket and a lilac trumpet skit worn January 8, 2012 in the UAE and June 30, 2016 in Slovakia

 

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Look #3:  With a lilac woven floral jacquard suit with ruffled lapel and sleeve worn for the weddings of Princess Carolina on June 18, 2012 and Prince Guillaume on October 20, 2012

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Which ensemble do you think pairs best with this hat ?

Images from Getty as indicated; Jakub Gavlak and Jakub Gavlak via European Pressphoto Agency

Inventory: Princess Charlene’s Blue Hats

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To celebrate Princess Charlene’s 43rd birthday yesterday, we’re diving into her millinery closet this time, for a look at her blue hats:

1. 2.
Designer: both unknown 
Introduced: April 29, 2011; November. 19, 2013

3.  4.
Designer: Stephen Jones;  Gallia e Peter
Introduced: May 10, 2015; November 19, 2017

We see Princess Charlene wear hats once or twice a year so just four blue designs over the past decade is not surprising. What’s undeniable here is Charlene’s leaning toward the streamlined when it comes to millinery. I like the restraint- hats #1 and #4 are particularly striking- although a spare feather, flower or bow could retain the streamlined aesthetic while lending a little zhuzh.

What do you notice about Princess Charlene’s blue hats?

Images from Getty as indicated; Carl De Souza/AFP; PLS Pool; Stephane Cardinale/Corbis and Pascal Le Segretain via Getty

Monday Multiples: Princess Caroline

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To celebrate Princess Caroline’s 64th birthday last Friday, we’re looking back at two chic hats she wore in Paris on March 4, 1977, both paired with a streamlined cognac, tan and black checked coat:

Look #1: With a charcoal textured felt cloche with slim black hatband

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Look #2: With a tan felt fedora with slightly upturned (Stetson-style) brim trimmed with a black leather hatband

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I so admire how both hats have transcended time- 44 years on, I think each could easily step out today. Which hat, dearest readers, do you prefer most with this coat?

Images from Getty as indicated 

Longest Quill?

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We see quills of all lengths and colours on royal hats from the gently curved to the tightly curved. For this week’s discussion question, dearest readers, I’m wondering: which royal hat hosts the longest quill?

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Image from Getty as indicated