hat's off to you, sir.

headwear, both modern and historically influences, were big fixtures on the spring/summer runways. Perhaps because all the designers are getting sun-conscious?? I don't think there can be a blanket reason as to why so many designers decided to use headwear, especially since they were all of really differing styles, some futuristic, others cutesy, others athletic, others grunge. Perhaps it is because the designers are accepting millinery as an important aspect of fashion, not that this hasn't happened before, but it has been few and far between. I for one love hats, and are glad to see them making a triumphant come back onto the catwalks. It has sort of made me lose the fear i have about wearing some of my more vintage-y styles, like netted cocktail hats, little fascinators and bell shaped cloches in rich felt. The netted style would look good with an outfit that is completely out of place with the ladylike helmet,  like a leather jacket, sheer shirt, flippy skirt.. Oh the possibilities! Some of the other hats and headwear were very nice and inspirational too... Although i'm not too sure i would wear some of the offerings served up to me... 

The Avant-Garde

It happens every year. There's always a designer who wants to stay in front of the fashpack. They inevitably end up sending their models down the catwalk with something strange on their feet/head/hands/bodies (delete where necessary). Rick Owens and his nun habits, Giles Deacon and his pacman helments, Junya Watanabe's elaborate headpieces, John Galliano's beefeater furry helmets, Alexander Wang's spiky swimming caps (?) ... thankyou for making it all that much more interesting 

junya watanabe spring/summer 09; i couldn't help myself. headwear is headwear, right?

John Galliano Spring/Summer 09; in a collection that took inspiration from the Queen Mum, you have to have your guards. 

Giles Spring/Summer 09; speaks for itself, really. 

Alexander Wang Spring/Summer 09

Rick Owens Spring/Summer 09; leather and habits... a good mix?!

The practical

Surprisingly, because this is fashion after all, there were some practical hats sent down the catwalk. Arguably one of them was from a sportswear brand, but that house is headed by Stella Mccartney! She put a fashion-y spin on the visor, but it is not something to be worn outside of athletic activity. Another that was surprisingly practical was Vivienne Westwood's wide brimmed hats that she sent out. Good for sun protection and looking like a pirate!

Vivienne Westwood Spring/Summer 09; very john galliano pirates couture show for dior, but i like it.

Adidas by Stella Mccartney Spring/Summer 09: for playing tennis in, and only for playing tennis in. 

the updated turban

ever since hipsters starting wrapping tea towels and sweat bands around their heads and calling it a trend, the turban headband has had a sort of revival. Seen with interwoven leather strips at Celine (matching the bodice!) and in pretty pastels at Erin Fetherston it looks like mushroom head is here to stay. 

Celine Spring/Summer 09

Erin Fetherston Spring/Summer 09

Old school chic

Oh i wanted it all! Marc Jacobs, Charles Anastase, Luella, Givenchy and Sonia Rykiel sent out nostalgic little head pieces that made me want to take a cup of tea out into the garden to cut lavender and sing to the bees. It was all very granny-chic, mary poppins, tea parties and then raving afterwards. Juxtaposition... well this is fashion after all!

Luella Spring/Summer 09

Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 09

Sonia Rykiel Spring/Summer 09: berets abound, sequinned to add a little glitz and glamour. 

Charles Anastase Spring/Summer 09

Little bitty pretty bows at Givenchy Spring/Summer 09

And then there was this;

Oh Hermes... why have you forsaken me? Just forget about the outfit (and the fact that this is the same house famed for its timeless style and bags like the Birkin and Kelly) and focus on the hat for one minute... why? Are we supposed to go to a rodeo? rodeo-chic? is that's what's coming up next? (of course carine will wear one and we'll all coo about how fabulous she looks... but AAHHHH!) 

Hermes Spring/Summer 09

You have read this article fashion / fashion shows / fashion week / hats / headwear / inspiration with the title hat's off to you, sir.. You can bookmark this page URL http://startthefire-cafagesta.blogspot.com/2008/10/hat-off-to-you-sir.html. Thanks!