Over the long history of fashion development, a lot of seemingly purely masculine things have migrated to the women's wardrobe. Nobody already remembers that high-heeled shoes were once an attribute of a seventeenth-century nobleman’s costume, and the once-popular bowler hat almost disappeared from the everyday routine of the stronger sex.
From Chaplin to the present day
For the appearance of this unusual hat, we must be grateful to the brother of the British Earl of Leicester, Edward Coke. He ordered the craftsmen Thomas and William Bowlers to make a new headdress for their foresters who complained that the usual cylinders hid on tree branches while riding through the forest. After much deliberation, the first bowler hat was made according to the sketches of George and James Lokov - a hat that sat tightly on his head, protected from the cold and at the same time looked very fashionable. Soon, the pot was destined to permanently displace the cylinders from everyday life and become a symbol of English culture.
The changing world of fashion
Of course, such a stylish little thing could not be overlooked by a woman. At first, only unmarried ladies wore it for riding, but then the most independent persons began to supplement their images with them in everyday life. Women's bowler hat was no different from men's headgear.
Whatever you say, the era of Charlie Chaplin has passed, and young people prefer more convenient accessories and outfits. And the bowler would have sunk into oblivion, if not for the fashion designers. Many famous designers, such as Ralph Lauren or Vyacheslav Zaitsev, regularly included him in their collections, finally confirming the position of this headdress in the fashion world.
The masters were well aware that thanks to such a simple accessory you can create a huge number of exquisite, but not old-fashioned images. And most importantly, both a young lady and a lady of age can afford to wear a bowler hat. Thanks to its soft lines and rounded shape, the bowler hat is suitable for any type of face, as evidenced by photographs of Bolivian Indian women for whom this hat is an element of the national costume. In general, thanks to the active colonial activity of Britain, the bowler also became popular in Nigeria, where it still enjoys honor among men.
No masquerade effect
A bowler hat is a wayward hat, therefore, in order not to resemble a comic character from silent films, you must correctly combine it with other things.
How to wear a felt bowler hat:
- classic straight trousers ;
- men's suits, which have become a real trend this season;
- blouses, shirts;
- elongated pencil skirts;
- classic coats and trench coats;
- ankle boots;
- boots.
What is better not to combine:
- sportswear;
- baggy suits;
- evening dresses;
- beachwear.
If you want to create a more catchy and modern look, then pay attention to experiments with the headgear Fergie, Jennifer Lawrence or Keira Knightley. On celebrities, a bowler hat looks appropriate. Photos of famous beauties prove this. Secular lionesses boldly combined an English headdress with such clothes as:
- short dresses;
- voluminous sweaters;
- leather leggings;
- short tight skirts ;
- shorts;
- skinny jeans;
- leather jackets.
Bowler on a date. Why not?
If it seemed to you that this headdress is suitable only for classic and restrained images, then this is not so. It is enough to choose an unusual color, pattern or apply handicraft skills, and you will get a completely non-trivial element of clothing that will help you to be remembered in the eyes of the chosen one. The men's bowler hat perfectly migrated to the women's wardrobe.
Veils, flowers, rhinestones and appliques add personality to this restrained hat. It is quite possible to make several options for any occasion. Therefore, if you are a lover of hand-made, the bowler will become a real canvas for creativity.
Profitable investment
By purchasing a bowler hat, you are making a huge investment in your wardrobe, because this headpiece will always remain in trend. With it, you will definitely stand out from the gray mass, emphasize your taste and will always go with the flow of modern fashion trends.
The headgear will become part of the classic wardrobe that fits all women. It is important not to go overboard with the details.
Skillful pens
A bowler hat is not cheap . You can easily make this headdress with your own hands . For this you need felt, satin ribbon and a little patience. First, a pattern of the future headdress is drawn up. It is necessary to measure the height and circumference of the head. To give the hat the desired shape, you have to acquire a block. The parts moistened with steam from the iron are laid on it.
First, the hat is fastened with pins, and only then the machine is used. The headpiece is decorated with satin ribbon on top: this will hide the main seam and make the bowler more attractive. As soon as the basic shape of the hat is ready, you can make a lining. It is sewn separately and only then is it sewn to the headdress with a hand hidden stitch.
Homemade hat can be of any color. If you show imagination, you can create an unusual bowler. The main thing is to observe the proportions. Of course, if you want to create a slightly comic look, you can make a small bowler hat that is worn as a hairpin. Most often, such options are used for a stage costume.
Another bowler hat can be made of black velvet paper. The principle is the same, but glue is used instead of threads. It is better to use double-sided paper with a high density.