The Hat Channel Mag - August

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

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W H AT ’ S NEXT?

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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

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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.

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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.