The Beauty of Hats

Hat by Christian Dior

“Women may throw their clothes away after a few seasons, but they don’t throw away their hats…they’re like their security blankets.  I want to create a security blanket they’ll always feel good about.”  -- Stephen Jones, hat designer

Background
Hats were once a vital part to any outfit. Most people, both men and women, added hats to complete their ensembles. Today, hats are still worn, but they are not very popular among young men and women. What do you think about hats? Do you own any hats other than a winter hat or a baseball cap? Would you wear a hat if they came back in style?

Assignment
Your assignment is to create a COUTURE hat or faschinator for a man or woman. It must have a theme and must be able to be worn by a model or model head. You must also draw the hat as a sketch and make a FINAL design using ink and watercolor! The ink and watercolor will be done first.

Objectives

• View the hats at the Peabody Essex Museum and analyze how they are made and for what purpose.
• Study the history of hats and analyze the changes in styles.
• Create a couture hat after analyzing many different types of hats.

Tips

• How will the hat fit and be placed on the person's head? How will it be attached? 
• What is the theme of your hat? How will you find materials to fit this theme?
• What style will the hat mimic?
• Start with a headband OR another hat and alter it

Grading Criteria

• 50% Design/Concept
  
• 20% Innovativeness (must be WILD/Unique)
• 20% Craftsmanship
• 10% Participation

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