The Lewis Wonderland Top hat is a half-scale hat created using wire techniques. The structured frame is wrapped in a bronze metallic net and is trimmed with a double-sided bow of bronze velvet and deep green satin ribbon. The flowing tails of the bow drape down the side of the head and across the top of the shaped wire
The piece is mounted on a wire headband and is designed to be worn over the right eye and a comb for comfort and to help hold the piece in place.
The tale of the Mad Hatter is rich with symbolism, much of which I wanted to incorporate into this design. Hatters were often poisoned by the mercury used in their craft, and the bronze material I selected represents this toxic, metallic-like substance that gave rise to the phrase "mad as a hatter." The inclusion of the green satin ribbon reflects another deadly aspect of historical fashion—green was once considered an unlucky colour, though the true culprit was the toxic chemicals used to produce it. This hat brings together several elements that symbolise the hazardous practices of traditional hat-making and millinery—thankfully, dangers we no longer encounter in our workrooms.
This is a one-of-a-kind piece.
This piece was designed and created for the Nederlandse Hoeden Vereniging, the Dutch Hat Association Competition.
Materials: Satin Ribbon, Velvet Ribbon, Millinery Wire, Metallic Net, Hat Elastic and Comb
