'The hat sits caput mundi, or rather at the top of the physical body — the head — and is therefore the expressive symbol of the personality, which is to say of the absolute value of every person in his thoughts and sentiments alike," wrote Pier Pietro Brunelli, expert on fashion psychology, in the introduction of Hats And Caps: Designing Fashion Accessories by Gianni Pucci.
Hats and Caps: Designing Fashion Accessories by Gianni Pucci Promopress 224pp 1,100 baht ISBN 978-84-92810-90-1 Available at Asia Books
A single hat may come with many purposes. In the practical sense, a hat is used to cover one's head and shelter it from rain and shine. However, it can't be denied that practicality may no longer be a hat's first function. In recent times, it bears more resemblance to an object of fashion — a finishing touch just like a cherry on a sundae ice cream.
In a tropical country like Thailand, hats and caps are not only worn to protect against the harsh sunlight. They also work as a fashion statement, boasting a person's character and taste. For instance, certain styles of caps may signify hip hop roots in today's culture — something quite popular among Thai youngsters judging from the amount of caps sold in the market.
In this book, we can see what has been going on the fashion industry when it comes to hats and other hair accessories. Brunelli rightly defines Pucci's fascinating compilation as "a visual understanding of the charm and elegance of the hat". From collections of leading haute couture labels like Christian Lacroix, Vivienne Westwood, Jean Paul Gaultier, Dior and Yves Saint Laurent, hats may include things from any fabrics and materials. Fur, leather, lace veil, feather or glitter — anything at all can be used to spice up hairstyles, or even to work as a hairstyle on its own.
Any stylist, fashion designer, student, amateur or professional may find this selection of more than 1,200 photos a must-have among their style acquisition. It will be a well-chosen source of inspiration of what has been done and what is yet to come in the fashion industry.
Fyodor Golan.
Michael Kors.
Hermes.
John Galliano.
Omar Kashoura.
Vivienne Westwood.
Jean Paul Gaultier.
