HAT HISTORY Scrub up on your knowledge of the bowler hat... or learn something you never knew.
August 2020
Christopher Garner EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
His vision knows no bounds in the ďŹ eld of headwear - step into his world and see where his inspiration comes from.
HATS AT HOME Upgrade your hat from the comfort of your own home!
Roy SMoothe
SECRETS BEHIND
THE RED HAT
W E LC O M E Dear Readers of The Hat Channel Magazine,
The Hat Channel Magazine is designed for you. Each issue brings more readers in our global community.
will move towards repurposed garments as we step into a new era.
Everyone likes hats or wonders what secrets lie within a hat. Which one suits me? Can I wear a hat? How will people react to my hat? Are all questions that buzz around our heads.
Hats stay constant and become a regular part of life. Strong sun means our heads require more protection and a range of hats may be worn as we step out of our homes.
I have an opportunity to unwrap some of the mysteries, share the stories and reflect on the origins of certain designs. Interviews are a link into the world of creativity.
Colour and style are not lost. We will use them to adorn our bodies and bask in the knowledge that we can move towards our goals.
History is being made by designs in real time. I love to share the in-depth answers that reflect such wild creativity. Milliners, hatters and designers are passionate about their work. Capturing a small essence of their creative journey is a great joy. Moving out of lockdown into a new world, we must adapt. Last month the UK Prime Minister made the wearing of facecoverings mandatory. New social distancing has become a priority. It needs to cover your mouth and nose however we can make the personal/customise them to be a reflection of our own personalisites. Fashion trends and catwalk extravaganza may change. Our social consciousness T H E H ATC H A N N E L . C O M
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D O N ’ T F O R G E T YO U R M A S K . @ H ATC H A N N E LT V
@ T H E H AT H I S TO R I A N
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THE MAN BEHIND THE LABEL
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T H E H I S TO R Y O F. .
T H E B O W L E R H AT
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H AT S AT H O M E . . .
SOCK IT TO ‘ E M
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T H E L A N G UA G E O F H AT S
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SECRETS UNDER T H E R E D H AT
TA B L E O F
CONTENTS COPYRIGHT © 2020 THE HAT CHANNEL LTD. The Hat Channel Mag is published by The Hat Channel Magazine. Editorial: editor@thehatchannel.com | Advertising: sales@thehatchannel.com Telephone: 020 3282 6623 | Website: www.thehatchannel.com Head office: Suite 2, 14 Union Street, Stroud, Glos, GL5 2HE London office: Great Portland Street, London, W1W 7LT
No material may be reproduced in any way, or translated, without written permission of the publishers. Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that adverts and articles appear correctly, but The Hat Channel cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by the contents of the publication. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of its publisher or editor.
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT. Cover: Chaz Clark Photography | Page 3: @savilerowmasks Model: @liamnorval Page 4 - 6: Julian Garner Headwear | Page 8 - 9: Holkham Hall Page 12 - 15: Chaz Clark Photography | Page 16 - 17: Paul Linus Photography Page 18: @savilerowmasks Model: @liamnorval
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C A R P E T B AG S , MOVE UP
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MASKS OF THE FUTURE
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MASKS SEEN THIS SEASON
22
W H AT ’ S NEXT?
22
MAKE A SPLASH
THE
BEHIND THE
MAN
LABEL
Christopher Garner’s
arrived in the UK from
vision for headwear
Zimbabwe
knows no boundaries and
that he moved
I believe we’ve only seen
from
a small snapshot of his
landscape
capabilities so far. In this
gardening to
article we chat to Chris at
his design
Julian Garner Millinery to
passion -
find out what the future
millinery.
holds.
Growing up
Standing in front of Philip Treacy, his hero, Stephen Jones, Paula Reed (The Editor of Grazia
with the movie Chris formulated his
Titanic, he was
brand at the cool age of
struck by the
eleven. Encouraged by
elegance of the hats on
his teacher this ‘shop
the set. Hats of the era
front’ and clothing
were exquisite.
designplan stayed with
Memorable for Chris as
him. He had chosen
he was absorbed into the
Magazine) and a
‘Julian Garner’ as a
‘World of Hats’, a feel of
representation from the
fashion label and held this
the era with the depiction
Mayor of London’s Arts
seed of an idea with him
of a tragic event in history
and Culture office, he was
for years.
all added to his emotional
a little apprehensive. He
It was only when he
experience.
had submitted his work
CHRIS EXPLAINED T H AT H E W A S S E L F -TAU G H T.
just to get honest
This organisation offered
directed at him during his
feedback. Holding a
help, guidance and
life. He uses words like
design for the London
support. Milliners have
‘Boner Party’ a twist from
Olympics, a McQueen
integrity for each other’s
history and finds the
inspired gold barbed wire
work but ‘fashion theft’ is
colours he chooses reflect
crown, formed with faux
out there.
his mood. Bright colours
black leather shapes and hand-embroidered embellishments, he had no idea what would happen next. When asked about his training, Chris explained that he was self-taught. Philip reflected, ‘Self trained, just keep going.’
S O M E O F H I S H AT S H AV E B E E N W O R N BY MEMBERS OF T H E R OYA L FA M I LY
This was the springboard
Chris uses his personal
into his millinery career
life experiences in his
and cemented his
work. Some hats are
show he is in a happy
decision to step into this
identified by the words in
place, while darker tones
creative journey.
cruel ‘naming calling’
reflect a mood swing.
His designs form artistry for the head. With new innovative creations, he has had to take care to protect his ideas. A.C.I.D. (Anti Copying In Design) has helped him with their rigorous format and recorded detail.
embellishments are all
body moves as one. Body
revealed. Often a
language says it all. The
subtle cluster of
secret to wearing a hat,
crystals will move the
“Well, it is the comfort on
hat to sparkle. His
the head.”
customers are thrilled with the results.
A light, weightless hat can be worn for the whole
H I S C U S TO M E R S ARE THRILLED WITH T H E R E S U LT S .
He believes in
day. Stephen Jones
sustainability. Using
explains, ‘Make sure it is
wool felts in preference to
as light as possible’. This is
fur felts and parasisel
not easy to achieve this.
fabrics offer a better
Chris outlines that
Sample pieces are made
carbon footprint too. His
milliners need to practise
for his collection to show
choices are to take the
their skills and build up
the buyers. Some of his
‘greener path’. This is not
their experience. Clean
hats have been worn by
easy, with his hats being
lines look simple but they
members of the Royal
approximately 80%
elevate a hat to the next
Family and he has a wide
biodegradable there is
level.
celebrity client list too.
still room to improve. Furthermore, at the end of
M I L L I N E R S N E E D TO PRACTISE THEIR SKILLS AND BUILD UP THEIR EXPERIENCE.
A creation is a step by
the season he will
step process. It begins
deconstruct his sample
with a meeting, usually in
hats to reuse materials
‘Happiness is success’,
a coffee shop. Chris
and repurpose hat
according to Julian
generates about five
elements.
Garner Headwear. The
designs for his customers to choose from. The blocking actions are
connection between the “HAPPINESS IS S U C C E S S .”
documented and shared.
When asked about hat
While there is a final
styles, Chris shared some
fitting with the details; like
insights. Someone that
hand painting, bursts of
wears a hat with
feathers and quirky
confidence, their whole
hat maker and the hat wearer is the ‘essence’ in a hat.
S H O P N O W AT JULIANGARNER.COM
THE BOWLER H AT
H I S TO R Y O F. . Highly skilled Hatters, Thomas and William Bowlers were
tasked to make the hat. When Coke came to London to view the ďŹ nished hat, he threw it to the ground and stamped on it, not once but twice. It was strong enough to withstand this beating. More bowler hats were ordered for all the gamekeepers.
A Bowler Hat conjures up
2nd Earl-of Leicester,
one solid image. This is a
wanted a hat that
rigid hat with a small
would protect the
brim. Worn straight on
heads of his
the head and cutting a
gamekeepers at
stylish formal look the
Holkham Hall from
Bowler hat has been
low branches while
around for over 200
riding horses around
years.
his estate. He commissioned Lock
It all started in 1849,
and Co. to make a hat
Edward Coke, the
for this purpose.
younger brother of the
IT WAS STRONG E N O U G H TO W I T H S TA N D A B E AT I N G .
In Victorian times, the
mingled with a billycock,
Bolivia seemed an
bowler hat was popular
bob hat, bombín
unlikely destination for
with lower working class
(Spanish) or derby (USA)
these hats to be popular.
men. However soon
Military organisations
A shipment originally
everyone wanted a
began to choose it for
acquired for railway
bowler and demand grew
parades. Celebrities used
workers, were all found to
in the middle and upper
the bower hat in their
be too small. The
that was often knocked off
T H E B O W L E R H AT HAS BEEN AROUND FOR OVER 200 YEARS.
company decided to offer
the head, due to its
movies. Comedic acts
them to the Bolivian men
height. The defined crown
used a bowler hat prop,
in local communities but
was solid. A narrow brim
like Charlie Chaplin in his
again they were too small.
made the bowler hat easy
Silent Films. There was no
The only people who
to wear. This strong felt
end to the viewing in
could wear the hats were
hat took its place in
famous movies like ‘Gold
in fact the women and to
history.
Finger’ to ‘Clockwork
this day this has remained
Orange’ and many more.
their custom.
The tradition continues at Holkham Hall
classes. Bowler hats had to fit well, so heads were measured and increasing numbers sold.
E V E R YO N E WANTED A BOWLER. The nature of the bowler hat meant it could be worn in place of a top hat
Its name varied from
Politicians were beginning
place to place. As a highly
to choose the bowler.
sought after hat in
Winston Churchill gave
America, it was known as
some famous speeches in
the derby hat. Coke was a
his bowler hat in the war
regular name in UK while
years.
B O W L E R H AT S A R E STILL WORN AS F O R M A L H AT S TO DAY.
SOCK I T TO
‘EM
Socks can be used to make a colourful
into a petal formation with rubber
floral array for a hat, any size can be
bands. It works progressively from the
used. Pairs of socks may be crafted into
toe to the angle. The sock remains intact
floral forms and grouped together to
and can be reformed by the removal of
adorn a hat.
the rubber bands to be used as a regular sock again.
All that is required is a hat, a vivid imagination, one sock (in a colour or
Repurposing and recycling are areas to
pattern to match or contrast with the
consider in our fashion choices.
hat), a selection of rubber bands and a
Decorating a hat with some pops of
safety pin. Each floral form is made with
colour adds a new sculpture and form of
a new sock.
interest. Try it, explore the possibilities.
One sock is folded, twisted and pleated
Raid the sock drawer and have fun.
F R O M A S O C K TO A F LO W E R A N D B A C K TO A S O C K Fold the toe and hold it together with a rubber band. Make it as tight as possible.
Pleat around the toe section to form a circle around the centre, this can be even or shaped. Add a second rubber band to hold the fabric in place.
Repeat this action choosing the best colours in the sock pattern for the second pleat. Fix with another rubber band.
Hold the end of the sock at the ankle point together with a final rubber band.
Secure the sock sculpture to a band or the hat.
Repeat for each sock. Cluster the shapes on the hat to add both texture and drama.
AS PRETTY AS ROSE PETALS, BLOOMING IN SPRINGTIME. Art Exhibition Canada
Get in touch to discover your next hat creation from Christine’s Atelier Millinery Bringing your imaginations to life in wearable art and design aesthetics
@christinesatelier | christinesatelier.com | info@christinesatelier.com | Stockist: @myqlady
‘ P U T T H E T I N H AT O N I T ’ ‘A F E AT H E R I N O N E ’ S C A P ’
- to put an end to something
- something to be proud of
‘ TO C A P I T A L L’ ‘ TA L K T H R O U G H YO U R H AT ’
- to finish or end an experience
-to talk about something you don’t understand
‘ W E A R M O R E T H A N O N E H AT ’
THE
- to have more than one set of responsibilities
LANGUAGE O F H AT S
SECRETS UNDER THE RED HAT Roy Smoothe, the man with a hat that works. This is not just any hat; this red bowler
A sharp dresser, even as a young boy he
hat reflects the person, his brand, his
loved to look smart. His dad bought him
values and his identity. Roy Smoothe is
a three piece suit at the age of seven.
a cool dude. It’s not just an image, there
From then on, he has had an eye on
is so much more. Donning his slick
fashion and started to develop his own
brimmed bowler, he completes his
style. A determined young man, he
attire. Roy explains how he reached this
worked hard and moved naturally
point in his career, as his brand has
towards fashion where an opportunity to
become synonymous with his work.
showcase his talent in styling was
H I S DA D B O U G H T H I M A T H R E E P I E C E S U I T AT T H E AG E O F S E V E N ! rewarded. As well as managing a large number of men’s fashion retail concessions—turning over more than 5 million pounds each year—he went on to own a chain of fashion boutiques and then became VP International Business Development for a start-up tech company with offices in the UK and USA.
in the crowd. His dress style had always made him one of a kind but it was the bowler hat that elevated him to another level. He introduced the red bowler hat to add a twist to his look. This was and still remains, a three-part strategy, AAE. He has to get the attention of people in the room, with his hat and outfit, hold his audience with a smile and small talk and finally reach for the point of engagement, this is a key ingredient. People were more eager to meet him. He created an interest and was given so HIS DRESS STYLE HAD A LW AY S M A D E H I M O N E O F A KIND BUT IT WAS THE B O W L E R H AT T H AT B R O U G H T H I M TO A N OT H E R L E V E L .
much more attention. There was no question that he received more positive recognition that as a consequence brought him preferential service. When he walks into a room the noise stops,
With his career thriving, he decided to
everyone looks at him. Later, he has a
leave the corporate world to explore his
chance to speak to his audience and
passion for fashion & music. Spurred on
then follow up with a personal meeting.
by his son’s enthusiasm of his music
In addition, he sees a whole new world,
compilations and motivational speaking,
the best table at the Ritz Hotel, upgrades
he wanted to create something even
on air flights, hotel rooms and so much
better. Not only did he adore music, he
more. It certainly feels like the hat has a
wanted to participate, record his own
role of its own.
creations and develop in the industry. He began his music business with his own record label and production company.
W H E N H E W A L K S I N TO A R O O M T H E N O I S E S TO P S , E V E R YO N E LO O K S AT H I M .
In order to expand his music business,
Roy is on a path to bring more traction
Roy designed a campaign to stand out
to his ideas. People want to find out how
his style and look work. This developed into advice on branding and style. As he worked with clients his skills and ideas elevated their businesses. He could start at any point from ground zero to BrandStorm and build a brand identity with a twist. One success built on another. His branding style is noticed. People can’t get enough of his ideas. It is not as easy as it sounds. Wearing a hat is not the whole answer. There has to be a plan and strategy behind the look. Roy is very clear now about his path. He speaks about branding and style to large audiences. Furthermore, music and speaking have merged into an inspirational genre unique to his business as top speakers like Jim Rohn, Brain Tracy, Les Brown and Tony Robbins to name but a few have all had their recorded talks featured in his music compilations.
T H E H AT G E T S H I M N OT I C E D A N D HAS OPENED SOCIAL AND CELEBRITY D O O R S W H I L E G I V I N G FA N TA S T I C B U S I N E S S O P P O R T U N I T I E S TO H I M . This special hat has a role in the image he creates when he dresses. He explained, ‘I don’t feel dressed until I put on my hat’. The hat gets him noticed and has opened social and celebrity doors while giving fantastic business
opportunities to him. Of course, it doesn’t stop here, Roy has visited Buckingham Palace, worked with celebrities, been invited to 10 Downing
R OY H A S TA K E N S O M E T H I N G W E M AY C O N S I D E R I N S I G N I F I C A N T, B U T O N T H E RIGHT HEAD IT WORKS.
Street and the list goes on. A bowler hat has been around for over His brand is embedded into his style
one hundred years. There is nothing
and image, but it doesn’t stop there. He
original about wearing this hat but it has
uses this look to take his own business to
a defined shape, it is recognised and
new heights. Intertwined with his music
loved by everyone. Roy has taken
business he has brought everything he
something we may consider
believes and values together to position
insignificant, but on the right head it
himself as the ‘go to Cool Branding
works.
Strategist’ for personal, business and corporate clients.
Roy pointed out, ‘I am never dressed without a hat and never fully dressed
Standing tall, Roy has been chosen to
without a smile.’
share the pedestal of fame with musician legends Amy Winehouse, Jimmy Hendrix and John Lennon. A famous sculptor picked Roy with his iconic top hat. A fantastic image reflects his amazing achievements. You can find his music brand Smoothe Mixx produced by his company, S.I.R. Smoothe International Records to enjoy his cool smooth style of mixing Personal Development, Music & Conversation, which has now reached well over 30 million streams and downloads. He is certainly in the groove.
DISCOVER MORE HERE: R OY S M O OT H E . C O M
“ TA K E YO U R H AT A N D W E A R YO U R S M I L E .” - Roy Smoothe
CARPET BAGS,
MOVE UP
concertinaed mess. Carpet made
exclusively for Made of construction that would
Carpet and used in the
last the lifetime of the bag
bag construction was
was all of vital
vital. The Victorian look
importance. This level of
gave her a starting point
production at this
but she wanted to
exacting professional
produce a bag that would
level took at a year to find.
revitalise the image from
Carpet bags by Made of
She needed to find
the past in a formation
Carpet came striding
people who believed in
that was noteworthy for
along the catwalk.
her new idea and would
the future.
Stunning vibrant colours
come with her on this
Taking the lead from a
patterned in vintage
journey.
styles all wrapped into an exquisitely neat bag.
The inspiration behind
Tense memorable pieces
the carpet bag was
for both men and women
personal. She had
were both icon and truly
wanted a carpet bag
memorable.
for herself. She
The brainchild of Irina
bought a few, but
Bragin, these bags make
the quality, shape,
a glamorous statement in
durability and
their own right.
weight were all poor. Nothing worked. She
Reaching for perfection,
wanted a bag that
she searched for the best
would keep its
quality carpets. Her need
shape, rather than
for superior fixing and
slump into a
T H E I N S P I R AT I O N BEHIND THE C A R P E T B AG W A S PERSONAL.
great starting Mary Poppins theme, the
point. Hat and
carpet bags have a
fascinators match with the
‘Good Omens’, via opera
narrative in the era of Miss
base colour or link other
on the stage of the
Marple and American
colours in the pattern to
London Coliseum to
history.
harmonise the look. A
staring in a Mary Poppins
clear hat shape gives the
themed high tea at the
The carpet bag pattern
wearer a distinctive form
Aqua Shard, these bags
needs to link with both an
that acts as a beautiful
have visited so many
outfit and a hat. Often the
back drop to the carpet
prestigious celebrity
base colour in the Made
bag.
venues.
of Carpet bag can be a Base colours are red,
A look that makes heads
navy, teal and beige to
turn can be created with
make the patterns pop.
an outfit and hat that link
A small pattern in the hat
the colour in the Made of
and outfit can work. The
Carpet bag pattern. This
drama remains in the
award winning business
carpet bag. Her bags are
supplies bags to global
celebrities in their own
brands like Virgin Atlantic
right, having featured in
and for celebrity
a variety of movies, TV
endorsements.
series and prestigious events. From TV series ‘Ripper Street’ and
S H O P N O W AT C A R P E T- B AG S . C O M
2020 has bought with it a new fashion accessory and one that prioritises keeping us all safe. Face-coverings and face masks are fast becoming the norm and whilst medical-grade masks form part of many frontline workers PPE, the general public
cool look from savilerow-masks.com
are encouraged to use alternative close-weave natural fabrics for protection.
Three pieces of cloth are
WHO advises close
recommended.
weave fabric.
These fabric layers form
Three layers are required,
the basic requirements in
while more add increased
a non-medical mask.
protection. The World
Sewn into a shape that ďŹ ts
Health Organisation WHO
over the face and hooks
recommends layers and
securely over the ears are
careful choice of fabrics.
key components.
Barrier layers are
The controversial use of
dangerous, as they
neoprene or similar
may inhibit breathing.
product is recommended
Stretchy fabrics will
for added protection. It is
pull open the wide
waterproof and stops
spaces in the material
droplets. This fabric
allowing infection to
contains plastic. It puts
spread, rather than
masks makers into a
oering a barrier of
dilemma. Using a solid
protection.
layer oers a shield.
MASKS
OF THE FUTURE
Now there is an opportunity to use a mask as an accessory. You can choose the colour, use layers that offer some protection and create a statement. A pop of colour can add a further embellishment to an Homemade masks are
outfit.
encouraged Masks to match. Homemade masks are encouraged. The use of
Masks to match our outfit
old T-shirts, cotton sheets
or masks to match our hat
all give some safeguard
would add a new
that the wearer will not
dimension to our look.
infect others. Further
Let’s embrace our current
advice considers the use
situation. Maybe make a
of added layers, such as a
matching mask for a
filter (a coffee filter) or a
special occasion. Order a
tissue. These masks do
bespoke mask to wear
not protect the wearer
with a stunning hat.
from infection. Controversy and conflict
Take your mask to the
whirl through our minds
next level and make it the
as we try to make choices
fashion accessory that you
for ourselves.
enjoy.
“WE DON’T KNOW FOR SURE, BUT THEY C O U L D H E L P A N D T H E Y C A N ’ T H U R T.” Dr. Linsey Marr | Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering
QUICK TIPS IN
Mask Care
M A S K S C A N O N LY B E USED BY ONE PERSON. NON-MEDICAL MASKS SHOULD BE WASHED F R E Q U E N T LY A N D H A N D L E D C A R E F U L LY. ALL MASKS SHOULD BE C H A N G E D F R E Q U E N T LY. M A K E A B AG O R S M A L L C O N TA I N E R F O R YO U R M A S K TO T R A N S P O R T I T.
Mavi and Jenny at Majesa extend their best wishes to the Hat Channel and wish it many years of readership and success!
Panamas are are made from thethe natural Toquillapalm palmand and it takes several for skilled Panamas made from naturalfibres fibresof ofthe the Paja Paja Toquilla it takes several daysdays for skilled Ecuadorian craftspeople make onehat hatusing using traditional traditional skills have remained unchanged for for Ecuadorian craftspeople to to make one skillswhich which have remained unchanged centuries. Majesa/The Panama Hatcompany company founded founded by born Jenny Froehlich has has beenbeen centuries. Majesa/The Panama Hat byEcuadorian Ecuadorian born Jenny Froehlich buying panama straw from around 500 self employed weavers in Ecuador for over 30 years and now runs runs buying panama straw from around 500 self employed weavers in Ecuador for over 30 years and now daughter Mavi.The Thecompany company has selection of Panamas in Europe the company withwith herher daughter Mavi. hasthe thewidest widest selection of Panamas in Europe the company covering over 200 colours and every panama weave quality. The hat making team in Luton block, cut, covering over 200 colours and every panama weave quality. The hat making team in Luton block, cut, edge, bind and trim small batches of panamas using traditional hat making machinery to the highest edge, bind and trim small batches of panamas using traditional hat making machinery to the highest standards. As Jenny says "Every panama is a work of art made by at least 7 craftspeople and many many standards. As Jenny says "Everystages....they panama is adont work of art made by at least 7 craftspeople and many many know how clever they are !" stages....they dont know how clever they are !"
Masks
iston
@jenniferan
H AT S S E E N THIS SEASON re
ttegsho
@chrissyteig
@charlo
en
ear a mask
Stay safe, w
@designers.mask Match you mask to your clothes.
We are in th is
hy with Go matc nds your frie
together
@keithlemon
away @annehath Don’t be an
ass, wear a
mask
an @thehughjackm Save Lives
PROUD TO SUPPORT
@callumweeke
nder
Masks can still
Try a funny m
ask!
be fashionabl
e
sara@andersoneducation.co.uk andersoneducation.co.uk +44 (0)1474 815450
UK Boarding School Specialists Offering free impar tial advice and guidance We have visited over 350 UK boarding schools, looking for what is special and unique about each school, we are then able to match this with your child’s strengths, skills and talents.
Our UK Boarding School Exhibitions are popular with local and expat families living in the UAE, Nigeria and Ghana as it gives them the opportunity to talk to heads and find out more about the many benefits of a UK boarding education. Our UK Boarding School Directory is available from schools and clubs throughout Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE and West Africa.
Talk to the boarding school experts
W H AT ’ S
NEXT? An exclusive interview with a fourth generation, debonair Hatter in Luton, Philip Wright. Philip’s enthusiasm and flair for millinery is what sets him apart. In the next issue Philip gives us some insightful knowledge from the past and offers advice for how to be playful with our hat choices. Karen Christie took her passion in hats to reach world recognition in her global business. Karen’s hats quite literally travel the world and each one is a work of art. Her hats have become treasures in personal hat collections and have distinctive features that identify them as unique pieces from Ratty Tat Hats. Samanta Bullock has determination that has taken her to amazing places. Her International achievements in tennis reflect her determination. She has transferred these skills to build a fashion empire for all. Finding a gap in the market, she is not only filling it but offers a rich solution. Meet mask designer Wes Mendy from Savile Row Masks as he maps out his commercial journey.
Got a question? Ask us on our socials and we may answer it in our next issue!
MAKE A SPLASH @ H ATC H A N N E LT V
What did milliners and hat makers use to cover their wooden blocks before plastic/cling film/foil?
@judybentinckmilliner
@ T H E H AT H I S TO R I A N
The finest quality hat blocks were made out of the finest yellow poplar or rock hard maple. These woods had the ability to expand and contract for felt or Panama hat shaping (blocking). The very early blocks date back to around 1870 and were solid in nature. There is no need to cover any fine quality blocks with anything because they will absorb all the heat and steam and give the hat shapes. Thanks to @thecustomhatter for this answer!
Famous block maker, Steve Lane at Boon & Lane Ltd. supports this and explains cling film would only be used to protect your investment; it is not required for the blocking of a hat.