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Kate & Robbie top the Royals as ‘Celebrity Hat Wearers’ 2006

Top model Kate Moss tops the 2006 ‘Celebrity Hat Wearers’ list, compiled annually by Luton’ millinery and hat making industry, beating Princess Michael of Kent into the number two spot. And international singing star Robbie Williams is top of the men’s list, ahead of the Prince of Wales.

Joanna Lumley and David Beckham take the third position, followed by Dawn French and Sir Sean Connery, Baroness Thatcher and Jonathan Ross.

The 2006 style chart was produced by the promotional consortium Luton First in conjunction with the town’s internationally famous hat making and millinery industry.

Philip Wright of Walter Wright Ltd, Luton milliners since 1889, said today that hats were an important element of the fashion wardrobe. “A hat is the final statement in personal style and to be recognised as one of the nation’s most stylish hat wearers is an accolade for individuality and distinction.”

Patricia Muchie, chairwoman of Luton First, said that Kate Moss was a worthy style icon for hats. “Kate manages to wear the most elaborate and extravagant millinery designs with great confidence and aplomb and, most importantly, without the hat seemingly wearing her. She has the face to launch a thousand hat collections and has done much to promote hat wearing in Europe in recent years.”

Robbie Williams, who tops the male chart, is described as a fun fashion fan who obviously like to ‘dress up’. “He doesn’t take fashion too seriously and appears to treat clothes as a bit of fun,” says Patricia. “His recent recordings of early 1950’s hits provided the excuse to wear ‘Rat Pack’ suits of the period and, of course, the Sinatra hat – now very much back in fashion.”

Angela Cummins, who runs The Hat Box in Luton, selling Luton-made headwear, believes that women should choose a hat carefully and then wear it with caution. “It’s important to find a hat which suits your face but so much more important to wear it with confidence,” she says. “Celebrity hat wearers tend to remember the golden rule not to tilt the brim down at the front, covering the forehead and often restricting vision. Best always to keep a level brim, your head up, and to walk with supreme confidence that you look great. But try not to let the hat wear you.”

NOTE.
Luton’s Hat Making Industry
* Luton’s hat industry has its roots in the 17th century and the production of locally grown wheat – the ideal straw for the straw hat and boater.
* In the 19th century the straw hat industry dominated Luton’s economy and transformed the town into a major industrial centre.
* Today Luton remains at the heart of the UK hat industry, employing around 1,000 workers in small and medium sized companies.
* Products range from mass market hats through to high quality couturier, and including specialist protective and safety headwear.
* Much of Luton’s hat production is exported.

Luton’s millinery & hat making industry’s Top Ten ‘Celebrity Hat Wearers’

2006

2005

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