I have one I bought at Brooks many years ago and it is one fine hat. I used to wear it on Easter and I would receive a lot of compliments on it. My wife HATES it. I will have to roll it out again. Test the waters, that sort of thing.
Alas, the beautiful straw boater is perhaps too far gone for us to hope to resurrect it. Panama hats are still OK, because fedoras are not so completely dead, merely moribund, and you can still see classier men wearing various kinds of panamas in the summer. But I just can't see how someone could wear a straw boater and not have it look like a costume ("hey buddy, where's the rest of your barbershop quartet?" "hey Mac, did you get lost on your way to the costume party?").
Where's the argument for its return? If it came back, I'd wear one--but I won't be the first on my block to give it a shot. My daily dress (coat, tie, nice shoes, hat) is funny enough as is.
While you're at it, why don't you revive the Checker cab too?
Ralph Lauren has quite a collection of cars. Saw some of it at the MFA in Boston. Maybe, to sweeten your deal above, you could spearhead the RL Auto division.
I always enjoy your comments, Mr. Brown. While I agree with you to an extent, I always keep in mind (usually in the back) that what I wear sends a message.
I would like to be taken seriously. I would like to send the message that I am taking this situation seriously. I do that with a coat, tie, and nice shoes.
A hat says something, too. I hope my fedoras say something like, this guy has a bit of classic flair. I'm afraid that if I were to wear a boater, it would say, this guy hasn't a clue.
Just my 2¢.
P.S. to tintin:
We're still waiting for the "argument for its return." I'd love to see it (or was it the picture?).
I think the boater could work at a Kentucky Derby party, but only if the party was held in the South. I know several men who would wear seersucker pants and pull this off. But, does that constitute costume party?
Boaters and seersucker are only cliches if you reside on the other side of the M/D. Same for juleps and women w/ men's names--"Hunter," "Forrest," etc.
Photograph by Saul Leiter
I have one I bought at Brooks many years ago and it is one fine hat. I used to wear it on Easter and I would receive a lot of compliments on it. My wife HATES it. I will have to roll it out again. Test the waters, that sort of thing.
ReplyDeleteML
mlanesepic.blogspot.com
A Secret Order signature and with confirmed sightings at A Love From Outer Space.
ReplyDeleteThe boater has already had been subverted and on the road to velveteen oblivion in London.
I have one but can't find the nerve to wear it...and I have worn neck scarves!
ReplyDeleteI love that. Great photo. Thanks for sharing that with us.
ReplyDeleteAlas, the beautiful straw boater is perhaps too far gone for us to hope to resurrect it. Panama hats are still OK, because fedoras are not so completely dead, merely moribund, and you can still see classier men wearing various kinds of panamas in the summer. But I just can't see how someone could wear a straw boater and not have it look like a costume ("hey buddy, where's the rest of your barbershop quartet?" "hey Mac, did you get lost on your way to the costume party?").
ReplyDeleteWhere's the argument for its return? If it came back, I'd wear one--but I won't be the first on my block to give it a shot. My daily dress (coat, tie, nice shoes, hat) is funny enough as is.
Amen to the costume. I love the boater but it suffered the same fate as the bowler.
ReplyDeleteOf course my wife still says "Top o the marnin" to me every time I wear my driving cap.
While you're at it, why don't you revive the Checker cab too?
ReplyDeleteRalph Lauren has quite a collection of cars. Saw some of it at the MFA in Boston. Maybe, to sweeten your deal above, you could spearhead the RL Auto division.
If you like it wear it.
ReplyDeleteIf you're deterred by "voices off" go to The anon. Gap.
I always enjoy your comments, Mr. Brown. While I agree with you to an extent, I always keep in mind (usually in the back) that what I wear sends a message.
ReplyDeleteI would like to be taken seriously. I would like to send the message that I am taking this situation seriously. I do that with a coat, tie, and nice shoes.
A hat says something, too. I hope my fedoras say something like, this guy has a bit of classic flair. I'm afraid that if I were to wear a boater, it would say, this guy hasn't a clue.
Just my 2¢.
P.S. to tintin:
We're still waiting for the "argument for its return." I'd love to see it (or was it the picture?).
I think the boater could work at a Kentucky Derby party, but only if the party was held in the South. I know several men who would wear seersucker pants and pull this off. But, does that constitute costume party?
ReplyDeleteBoaters and seersucker are only cliches if you reside on the other side of the M/D. Same for juleps and women w/ men's names--"Hunter," "Forrest," etc.
ReplyDelete