This comes as a surprise to me too, because there was a time, not long ago, when I wouldn’t have been caught dead in a fur (or faux fur) hat. I used to consider it too old-fashioned, or, better yet, too old-looking for me. But it’s been a recurrent thought in my mind now and I think Ralph Lauren is to blame for it. His romantic autumn-winter collection, with a Russian feel to it, coloured in black and white and bejeweled shades, shaped from luxurious, rich fabrics, and finished with glamorous gowns that looked even more grand styled with opulent chandelier earrings and especially with fur hats. Fur hats which, in Ralph’s hands, look so modern and chic – not an easy thing to do, and the very qualities that make all the difference .
But no matter how much I love these show looks, in reality things are completely different. However, even if now I wouldn’t even know what to wear it with (how well does it work with jeans?, should I even dare trying it with flats?, how elegant does my coat have to be?, is it suitable for any time of day?), I’ll hold on to this inspiration for that moment when I will feel confident enough to sport this fabulous accessory.
photos: 1-Ralph Lauren Fall/Winter 2013, via Vogue.com (edited by me) / 2,3-Ann Street Studio | Ralph Lauren Fall/Winter 2013 Show in Paris
I must admit, I’d leave this particular one to Ralph and runway.
I know these hats can look beautiful and very glamourous (just think about Russian fashion in 19-early 20th centuries), but they can also look too matronly (think Soviet Russia). I think the latter image is so deeply embedded in my brain and memory that I have been scarred with it for life. In case you still want to find a fur’y hat, I’d always suggest mink berets (in greys or chocolate browns) and caps of all shapes and sizes. I had a few to get through winters and loved them. 
x
P.S. Just to give you an idea of what my hat was like – look at the very first photo, it was exactly that http://fashionedbylove.blogspot.co.uk/2011/12/winter-tale.html
Yes, I admit I’m scared of that matronly look too, I know what you mean. I used to associate this look with communist Romania, so there you go, another reason why I hadn’t given fur hats not even a single thought until recently. As I said, I’m not really prepared to try this look, I can’t say it’s really my style, but I’ll let myself play with the idea for a while and maybe sometime in the future I’ll give it a go, even if it will be a one-time thing. But I’ll tell one thing, if I love the look I will embrace it. Never say never.
Oh I love it! I think I wouldn’t really worry what anyone thought if I had a hat like this and the weather to wear it (I would’ve taken it to London!) They’re just beautiful and chic!
xo Mary Jo
I just knew you would love it, Mary Jo! Oh yes, you would have looked fabulous in London with it! I wouldn’t worry what anyone thought either, just as long as it looks good on me and I feel comfortable wearing it. It was a time when I simply didn’t see myself ever wear something like that, but our style is always evolving, even if it may not stray away too much from a certain line, and that’s the beauty of it.
ARCHIVE