This week we reached deep into our design vault. Amazingly, this hat design was created in late 2007, and had not been given a name. We decided to call it “Elana”.
Elana Hattingdon.
As you can see, it is a colorful fashion hat in shades of bright purple; a luscious, vivid pink; and a gorgeous olive green. Isn’t she lovely?
Hattingdon Horses designer and originator, Vivian Grant Farrell, created Curtis (the first) while she was lobbying on behalf of horses in Washington DC, December 2007. It was Christmas break, but not all legislators had gone home. Among those still around was a handful of politicians doing anything they could to impede progress on horse protection bills. Someone had to stay and keep an eye on things. Vivian drew the short straw.
With a bit of time on her hands for a change, Vivian opened up her photo editor and starting working with shapes. Curtis was the result, and an instant smash. On the heels of Curtis’ huge success was Vivian’s next Hattingdon, the hugely and almost equally popular Harper who wears a large pink Chanel inspired picture hat. Many more would follow.
Etienne
One of the hats Vivian created for Hattingdon in those beginning years was Etienne — part of her early avant-garde period.
Etienne was inspired by French fashion and the colours of their flag.
The present “tricolore” (three-colour) flag of France had its origins at the time of the French Revolution, joining the colours of the King (white) and the City of Paris (blue and red).
The hat just had to have a French name, right? She chose Etienne. The name Etienne is primarily a male name, of French origin, that means “crown”.
Thank you for stopping by. There are some extras below.
Diana, Princess of Wales. By Tim Graham / Getty Images.
French fashion is great, but as with any style, it also has a few garments and accessories that are so present in the french style that if you want to achieve the look, you’d better have some of them in your wardrobe.
What You Need Black Blazer (2nd choice, Navy) Jeans (the best pair and fit you can afford) Waisted Cocktail Dress Ballerina Flats / Flat Sandals Black Leather Jacket
Not Just the French Inspired by the late Diana, Princess of Wales, imagine layering a Hattingdon tee or sweatshirt with jeans, a dark jacket and ballet flats or classic black loafers. Très chic.