Panama hats à la mode by Christys’ & Co, the world’s oldest milliner

Obviously it is a mark of English style to wear a hat: which is why London is a mecca for an extravaganza of shapes and styles. Veritable temples to the hat include Liberty of London, now proud owner of Christys’ & Co, the world’s oldest milliner and makers of hats for our Members. So now fashion and tradition combine in the making of hats à la mode for ladies—and we present our first pick of the new Christys’ hats for SS15, the serenely elegant Jessica.

A classic handmade Panama hat, traditionally woven in Ecuador and then hand finished in Oxfordshire, the Jessica has oodles of style and suits every face. It manages to be chic, casual, and uber-cool all at the same time, and of course practical: the wide brim keeps the sun from your eyes and the classic Panama weave provides a healthy circulation of fresh air to your head.

There are three styles within the Jessica range: the ultra-smart new natural-and-brown mixed weave Ombre, which can turn a simple outfit into haute couture; the natural plain straw with wide Liberty print linen hatband, more relaxed and summery; and the new bleached white style with narrow blue floral Liberty print hatband, which can easily move from relaxed to formal—and of course you can change hatbands to suit outfits.

As burlesque artiste Immodesty Blaize says, ‘Hats speak volumes about our personality and mood. I can wear them like protective armour, or to be a glorious peacock, and many a bad hair day has been transformed by a good hat.’ Well, thanks to Liberty’s and Christys’, Panama hats for the girls just got better!

Sizes 55-62cm (the circumference of the head, measured just above the ears). The brim is 11cm wide, the crown 12cm high. It has a soft leather sweatband.
RRP £98. CCUK £69. Free UK mainland delivery.

As a Club Member you can enjoy special rates on all Christys’ fabulous hats: just ask Member Services on 020 7399 2960.

Panama hats are made to order in Christys’ Oxfordshire hat emporium; current delivery time is about 3 weeks.