The Bowler

     

        If you’re like me you probably spent your spring break scrounging around your local city in search of the crème de la crème of sophisticated headwear.  I know what you’re thinking: you want a hat that is rich in tradition but establishes a sense of originality, something eccentric yet familiar.  Well folks, I’ve been searching for that hat myself.  I’ve looked high and low for a local haberdashery in my home town; then the adjoining town; then, sadly ladies and gentlemen, I was forced to admit defeat.  Yes, folks, I feel your slightly perturbed empathy, because, as of now, I’ll have to wait to get my hands on a bowler hat.  That’s right, I couldn’t find a bowler or derby hat, and missed my long awaited chance to individualize my eclectic collection of gentlemen’s headwear.

            The bowler is thought to have been commissioned by Edward Coke (i.e. William Coke’s little brother[1]) or possibly William himself.  That hat was, according to this place, designed as a form of hard hat for William Coke’s game warden.  They needed a hat they could wear while patrolling his property on horseback, a hat that could protect them from low hanging branches and foliage.  The legend states that when Coke was first presented with his custom made hat he immediately threw it to the floor and trampled it underfoot to test its durability.  Then he quickly placed it on his head, and he left the haberdashery most likely pleased with the hats rugged design.  The bowler was created by some hatters who had the last name bowler, but the bowler hat has many names; it’s called a derby in the United States because derby riders wore it, the Coke hat due to the contributions of either William or Edward[2] Coke, and the, more traditional term, the bowler due to the hatters that created it.

            Sadly I’ll probably miss the re-propagation of the bowler as it makes its way back into mainstream fashion, because, according to these guys, the bowler hat is making its way back into British mainstream fashion, and, before you know it, the unique hat design will begin to proliferate throughout America.  I guess I’ll have to lag behind on this trend.

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[1] That is to say William Coke as in the Second Earl of Leicester.

[2] There is, however, a point of contention as to whether William or Edward commissioned it, and triangulating the source seems bring about further disputations.

 

The Pope's Hat

So, white smoke has ascended the stack, you know what that means people; the world has a new pope!  Along with his new promotion, he’ll be moving out of that metaphorical cubicle to a new office in the Vatican, which means he’ll have to relocate for work.  This shouldn’t be a problem when you’re the freaking pope, right?  I didn’t think so, but with great responsibility comes a great hat.  Which is why, on The  Hebephrenic Hatter, we’re featuring the Mitre.

According to these guys, the pontifical Mitre (pronounced Miter) can be traced back to Rome, but tradition states that it was used in the time of the apostles.  In fact, a derivative of the Mitre (i.e. the camelaucum) can be dated back to the early 8^th century, and, according to this place, “the word mitre derives from the Greek mitra, which signifies a headband or diadem.”  Which, as we all know, a diadem is a form of crown.  This use of a sacramental crown for the pope symbolizes his authority in the church, so not everyone can wear a Mitre.  Tradition dictates that you have to be at least a bishop to wear the sacred hat, which makes the hat all the more authoritative.

With great power comes a powerful hat which is why the Pope’s Mitre can and will be deemed the most powerful hat in the world on this blog.  Its biblical origins are with the story of Moses, but, as is the case with all great hats, it has evolved over time.  So, when you see Francis ascending the throne, keep in mind his hat is all powerful.

The Top Hat

                So you’ve done it; you’ve finally been invited to one of those swanky black tie affairs downtown.   Congratulations, you’ll get to rub elbows and talk politics with those ritzy socialites in some posh building with (dare I say) hors d’oeuvres, but, with the night approaching with every anxious breath, you’re not sure what to wear.  Don’t worry fellow hatters, today on the hebephrenic hatter we’re featuring the top hat, so, rest assured, those polished patricians and debutantes will know you’re no dilettante to style.

                The top hat was invented in 1797 by hatter John Hetherington, and, despite its all but subtle appearance, it didn’t gain mainstream popularity until the depletion of the American beaver created a necessity for a more economical hat.  In fact, the top hat came from all but subtle beginnings.  According to several websites when John Hetherington wore is first top hat it caused quite the stir; women fainted, children panicked, a boy was trampled by a mob and subsequently broke his arm, and our humble protagonist John Hetherington was arrested for what police might label to today as disturbing the peace.  According to Ms. Lou Carver a newspaper retelling of the event states that Hetherington was arrested for wearing “a tall structure having a shining luster calculated to frighten timid people” (Carver www.victoriana.com).   As you’ve guess the top hat created quite the commotion.

                So, as you dress for your night on the town, remember, that if you want to cause a stir, the top hat is your hat.  From disturbing the peace to clothing the aristocracy, the top hat is the hat for your upper class night on the town.