Mad as a Hatter!

For those of you who know me, or we have met through my millinery consultation appointment, you will know this title is quite apt! I just love hats, mad about them! Beavering away till early hours of the morning threading, sewing and sculpting the perfect hat that is as unique as you, but did you know where the term ‘Mad as a Hatter’ came from? Or anything about the history of wearing hats?

Did you know the earliest record of hat-wearing comes from a cave at Lussac-les-Châteaux in central France. The rock drawings there are 15,000 years old and we’ve been putting things on our heads ever since.

I can’t imagine they would have the style and sophistication of the 21st century, they certainly wouldn’t have had the amazing materials such as beads and peacock feathers more a cap or material for practical purposes.

Bringing us more to the present day and away from caveman times, our second fascinating, (yet a little gory) fact is hats were used to poison people- literally! The term, ‘Mad as a Hatter’ comes from the process of using mercury, a highly toxic liquid which when exposed for prolonged periods can cause severe damage to the nervous system, with dementia type systems. I promise you, this would never happen at Clare Louise Millinery! You are in safe hands.

In 1960 hats became less popular, when beehive hair dos would not accommodate them. However when Princess Diana started wearing them, and Philip Treacy began designing for the Royal family, they made a huge comeback, and have been a very important part of the outfit ever since.

The wonder of wearing a hat can transform a complete look, and portrays a unique image to the individual wearing it. Combining style, fashion and attitude, the hat can give any message the wearer desires.

So my question to you, do you choose your hat first or your outfit? If this perplexes you, contact Clare Edmonds of Clare Louise Millinery or Creations Hair Salon in Chichester to book for the style event Chic! The Race is On 24th May 5:30pm to get the low down on how to dress for the 2017 race season.

Vicky Booker our Style Guru, along with Clare Louise Millinery and Creations Hair Salon will help you achieve the perfect look for Goodwood or Ascot this year.

For more information contact

Clare Edmonds  –  email me

Emma Shepherd – email me

Vicky Bookeremail me