Book

The roots of the world's most renowned hats trace back to Britain, many crafted by James Lock & Co, the oldest hatters globally, established in 1676. Their historic shop at 6 St. James's Street, London, a headquarters since 1765, boasts a remarkable clientele—Lord Nelson, Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks Junior, Jackie Onassis, Jackie Chan, and David Beckham. From the iconic bowler to Oscar Wilde's fedora, Queen Elizabeth's coronation crown to Winston Churchill's homburg, the shop birthed these classics. "Britain in 25 Hats" narrates this hat-centric history, including cinematic gems like Oddjob's Sandringham in Goldfinger, all under the pen of well-received author David Long, celebrated for his insightful and imaginative works.

Cowboy Hat Crafting Essentials: Crafting Your Perfect Fur Felt Sombrero" by Scott Edward Goodwin empowers readers to create personalized fur felt hats using minimal tools. With clear instructions and illustrative photos, the book demystifies the process, making it accessible to all. Beyond western styles, the techniques presented are applicable to various felt hat designs. This comprehensive guide removes the mystery surrounding hat-making, offering a versatile resource for enthusiasts seeking to fashion their unique fur felt sombrero, regardless of style or cultural influence.

This anthology, featuring timeless content from the 1900s and earlier, has been thoughtfully curated for its enduring interest and relevance to contemporary readers. Focused on the art of crafting straw hats, the vintage book comprises classic articles carefully chosen for modern millinery enthusiasts. A valuable addition to literature collections on the subject, it includes works like "Method for Lining Straw Bonnets" by Mary J. Howell and "Straw Hoods" by Eva Ratchert. As vintage books of this nature grow scarce and costly, this republished volume serves to preserve and share these insights, catering to the enduring fascination with the art of making straw hats.

For three decades, "From the Neck Up: An Illustrated Guide to Hatmaking" by Denise Dreher has stood as the definitive guide for milliners in theater, film, and entertainment. Unmatched in comprehensiveness, this book serves as a self-instruction manual, classroom textbook, or reference guide. Over 400 photographs and drawings meticulously depict each step of hatmaking techniques. The guide covers professional millinery supplies, methods, materials, and equipment, catering to those with limited resources. Tailored for beginners, it requires no prior hatmaking knowledge. Whether handcrafting with or without a sewing machine, the book imparts skills to create well-fitted hat patterns, making it an indispensable resource for aspiring milliners.

Led by the acclaimed milliner Stephen Jones, a stalwart collaborator with Dior since 1996, this tome delves into Dior's symbiotic connection with the artistry of hat-making. Originating from Christian Dior's early career focus on headpieces, the book draws from his fashion philosophy, stating, "A hat is essential to any outfit. It completes it. In a way, a hat is the best way to express your personality," as captured in his Little Dictionary of Fashion. Commemorating over 70 years of artistry, the volume, coinciding with the 2020 exhibition at Musée Christian Dior, Granville, unfolds the evolution of Dior's headwear—ranging from Christian Dior's legendary designs to contributions by Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferré, John Galliano, Raf Simons, and Maria Grazia Chiuri. Reflecting on this rich fashion narrative, Stephen Jones provides insights, complemented by contributions from Alexander Fury, Natasha Fraser-Cavassoni, and Florence Müller. The text is adorned with archival materials, drawings, and photographs, including works by Richard Avedon, Erwin Blumenfeld, Mario Testino, and exclusive, never-before-seen images by Sølve Sundsbø.

The hat, a cherished garment ubiquitous across societies, symbolizes crucial cultural elements—such as governance (the crown), religion (the turban), and traditions (the bonnet). Throughout history, hats encapsulate the essence of culture, while also serving as a medium for personal style and emotion. In Drake Stutesman's visually captivating homage to the hat, the narrative unfolds from the Ice Age, revealing its impact on abstract thinking. The journey explores the intricate evolution of millinery and hatting professions in the Middle Ages, highlights the emergence of superstar milliners in the 20th century, and concludes with the innovative creations of contemporary hat makers who continue to captivate us.

In their book, "Millinery: The Art of Hat-Making," experienced couture milliners Sarah Lomax and Rachel Skinner share their expertise, guiding readers through the creation of 12 unique hats for various occasions. The duo, with over 20 years of hat-making experience, provides clear step-by-step instructions and detailed photographs, making bespoke hat design accessible. The showcased hats range from wood felt triblys to chic pillboxes, fascinators, and feathered headbands. Lomax and Skinner, who apprenticed together with Queen's milliner Frederick Fox, offer insights into materials, techniques, and equipment. The book, filled with inspirational photography, empowers readers to adapt designs or create their own couture hats at home.