Photo Essay: The Hats have it in London

Every sartorialist knows the power and often dramatic effect a hat, as an accessory, could give to an overall style and look. Whether it’s a straw hat on patterned tailoring, a charming fedora on a gentleman or a base ball cap turned backwards, Londoners love their hats and they know how to rock them. In fact this love affair started a very long time ago when the oldest hat shop in the world, Lock and Co, was founded. Back in the days, hats designers were the talk of town and were fashion influencers in their own right.

As you experience London, you’d notice that, the penchant for hats is still very much in vogue. If you happen to be in London towards the end of the year, there is actually a London Hat Week that takes place. It is an annual collection of hat related events run by individuals and organisations in London, celebrating the art of hats in this great city.

In a couple of months of going about my daily activities, I managed to capture some of the hat styles of Londoners below.

Seen at the Notting Hill carnivalSeen at Stratford Upon Avon

Seen at Camden Town MarketSeen at Camden MarketSeen at Camden Market

Seen at the Portobello Road MarketSeen at the Portobello Road Market

Seen on Oxford street, LondonSeen at the Notting Hill carnival