evqua

And I’m still in my soviet theme Today I’m wearing a flat cap, a symbol of the biggest proletarian revolution!

It is interesting to notice that a hat reflects a political situation in a country. Usually, the higher a hat is, the more stable situation is (or a man wearing it belongs to establishment). Quite high hats were worn by every single British Prime Minister – starting with Winston Churchill and finishing with Tony Blair. To conclude, the gentlemen’s accessory is a symbol of a boring political stability. It is a contrary situation for flat caps or berets! They were worn by men of revolution. The flap cap was monopolised by Lenin and the beret -by Che Guevara who knew better appreciated its Bearnese origins.

The flat cap very popular among working class in the middle of the XIX century, was inspired by the military kepi. In the begging of the XX century it was part of the socialists’ uniform. Lenin wore it all the time because he wanted to show his attachment to the poor yet very powerful working class. In the 30’s the flat cap was worn by the French Front Populaire. In Turkey, Atatürc advised to every men wearing it.

However, even if the stereotype is really strong, the flat cap was never an exclusivity of  working class. You could find some men wearing it in the country or in Hampstead. Today, it is a typical men’s hat, still some women wear it.

(my mom’s flat cap , overcoat Benetton, scarf from Polish mountains bought in Cracow in Pasaz Hetmanski, boots bought in a little, tiny boutique in Marais in Paris, pants Zara)

pictures : sis