Royal Ascot 2007

[metropd]

Save your money for a black silk shag top hat. it might be the most expensive but it is the most elegant the most genuine the most practical for all occassions and the value will only go up and you will say wow... I look Great, I feel Great I and I know I made a great choice. Personally I like silk shag top hats the traditional 6 1/4 -7 inches tall with a very stylish and elegant bell curve. JUST LOOK AT THIS DIVINE CREATION YOU OR I COULD OF WON ON EBAY!!!!!!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vintage-top-hat_W0QQitemZ290121269109QQihZ019QQcategoryZ314QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


Different top hat but this is what I am talking about and it's proper height and exquisite bell curve, personally I like them with even more of a curve too.

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[metropd]

You know what Topper?

I love my 2 fedoras but I love a silk shag top hat even more and wear them around town too and the reaction is so positive.:eusa_clap I then again live in a small town wear people are more open minded and nicer then anywhere I've ever been.... St Helena, CA is the best place where I could live with nicest friends a man could have. We at the Fedora Lounge should flood this great town, but maybe then again I would not be considered such an individual. I would still like to see more of me just not in the mirror. Thats because I look so often I don't want any more mirrors in my house to break. Vanity is my favorite sin, well one of them.......

 

[Topper]

Thanks, Topper... a lot to digest there, I feel a lot better informed now. The side of me that loves to colour coordinate wants a grey hat to match the morning tails when I eventually put that outfit together... are those considered a bit naff, then - should I stick to the grey?

With my black hats I pretty much follow the old codes, though the opera hat I find tremendously useful when travelling further afield - saves carrying a very bulky hatbox, which can only be a good thing - I do not travel light!

BTW.... your hat in the photos - is it just a trick of the lighting (or my monitor), or is the binding round the edge of your brim a reddish colour? Goes great with the overall look!

Prior and up to Victorian period ( who were major pushers of etiquette) Grey, Tan, Brown, Blue many a different colour Topper (silk or otherwise) was worn with just normal "daywear" frock or monring coats. As was the general well-dress gent about town.

Though for the most of the last century up to mid 20thC Grey "was" considered strictly for Royal Ascot. But as of post WWII became acceptable to wear for other occassions ( weddings etc).

As it this Century . Strick "de rigeur" for Grey is Royal Ascot only. But ultimately depends on one's pocket.

Remember - Dressing up in correct dress code is not all about "showing off". The dress code is there so that you dress up - to show "you respect others" being present at the same event.

There are "Dress code" rules for certain events, but also there are "fashion" opinions - You must follow the rule, but as to fashion - that is merely a variance within the rule.

As to tradditions - they come with time, and each tradition has to "start" somewhere! So sometimes being different - is not a bad thing, but merely a start of a new tradition.

As to my Brim Binding - I wore different outfts each day, but a common burgundy colour theme of different accroutrements which I extended to include with my brim binding! I used some old antique 100% silk grosgrain that I had sourced.

As a hatter I like to vary my work. This was a Black Silk hat and perfect for the Royal Enclosure but burgundy is also a bit daring Some may hate it but all my friends loved it.

Pip-pip

 

[HungaryTom]

Gentleman

Sir,

[/QUOTE]

Distinguished Gentleman - that is what you ARE.
That is something nobody can buy.
The attire alone doesn't make it.

Regards

Tom