Elmer Fudd called and he wants his hat back
From the window overlooking Bow Street, I have noticed that there is something going on with winter hats. We are witnessin
g a millinery trend that starts with Elmer Fudd and his hat. Since 1937 this eggheaded character has forgone fashion for the ability to untie the side flaps that protect his ears when hunting wabbits.
Wacky skiing hats are also popular on these streets of fashion. There is a love-hate following to these hats with spikes or wiry projectiles expressing the reckless abandonment and “look at me” attitude that allegedly one gets from downhill skiing.
Now the third element of my winter hat evolution hasn’t appeared in Freeport –yet- but has had an impact nevertheless: the Fascinator of the royal wedding of 2011. Remember the sudden fascination with these ridiculously fabulous Fascinator hats?
It is my belief that elements of Elmer Fudd, skiing, and Fascinators have combined to create the look that is now known as the mad bomber hat. Children are cute in the critter versions with little ears on the top and colored pom-poms on the end of the elongated earflap strings. On a retail website, the blonde model looks good wearing a silver metallic quilted version with “polyester satin lining and faux fur trim…Snap tab secures under chin.”
Other than these two examples, it is my observation that few people look good in this type of hat. But then perhaps, in the tradition of Elmer Fudd, appearance is no longer relevant. Could it be that style has been overruled by the practicality of keeping your ears warm?
I don’t think so either. It is about individual style. Even in muted colors these bomber hats are bold and demand attention. These hats are fun loving and whimsical. Looking good may not be a top priority, but the pay off is another form of creative expression. And let us not forget the well-earned head of hat hair once the millinery oddity is removed.
Forget the earmuffs and never mind head wraps. Now is the time to embrace winter freedom and let the flaps fall as the may as we marshal forward with warm ears. And, above all, this is a good way to guarantee that you won’t take yourself too seriously!
If interested, here is an instructional video on making your own bomber hat.
