Little Known Hat Facts

HATS SYMBOLIZE SOCIAL STATUS

Hats often reveal something about the social status and values of their wearers.  In almost every culture, headgear has served as a sign of rank.  One reason may be its close association with the human brain, which most distinguished us form other animals...  Another is that it is readily visible and enhances the wearer's height.  The placement of a royal crown, whether celebrated in a cathedral or a repmote African village, symbolizes the marriage between a sovereign and the body politic he or she will rule.   The removal of the hat as a greeting or as a sign of respect may well be related, in a precautionary sense, to the primitive custome of removing articles of clothing as a sign of submission...

Large male headgear has been characteristic of patriarchal socieites:  the conical, towerlike hat of the Assyrians, the familiar broad-brimmed black hat of the Pilgrims, the papal triple tiara.  Because women have had fewer occasions to proclaim their rank, headdress has had an entirely different significance for them.  In Talmudic times Jewish female headdress was dictated by men and primarily intended as a mark of modesty.  A young girl who had not yet attracted a man was permitted a certain amount of self-advertisement, but a married woman was expected to wear a head covering outside the house.

Modesty has long since surrendered to the dictates of fashion, and now hats for both men and women are used more as protection against extremes of climate than as signals about status.  Hats are downright necessary for some especially those in hazardous activities, as minesrs, football players, bee-keepers anddeep-sea divers will testify.

                                                   excerpts from Reader's Digest, "Stories Behind Everyday Things"

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 Tasha's definition of "Afri-Chic:

• A person who has African-inspired taste in dress, style, look and accessories but has brought this style to a whole new level. 
• Afri-Chic IS NOT ethnic nor a carbon copy of someone else, just 
• Urban chic with a fashion wardrobe flair for dressing with an eclectic mix. 
• Contemporary fashion collector who enjoys wearing African-inspired accessories designed by Tasha! 
• Tasha's "Afri-Chic" is fashion accessories gone "vogue-afro-international." 
• Afri-Chic is a culture.  It is the liberty to dress with diversity, uniqueness and quality.  
• Afri-Chic people like those on www.mimimagazine.com who are not afraid to be different and accepting of their African heritage and roots.  

What is so unique about Tasha's surname?   Millin is the name refers to a hat maker:  Milliner

Why Women Wear Hats:

1. Biblically, the covering of a woman's head is
2. It's a feminine thing. 
3. To protect their heads from the weather; the hot sun; the cold weather; rocks; other kinds of weapons.
4. As as status symbol. (For example, a queen wears a crown.)
5. As a part of their work uniform. (a policewoman, a nurse, construction worker, firewoman, fashion models, etc.)
6. For fun: beach hats, horse riding hats, etc.

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COWRY SHELLS:

Cowry shells was once the principal form of money in various parts of Africa and still widely used for decoration, are sewn onto headbands, necklaces, earrings and garments. In some cultures in Africa, cowry shells represents a woman's fertility and are considered to possess the power of fertility.

The shells were also used as money not just in Africa but throughout the world. They predated the use of coins or, in some instances, used in the same economy as metal coins. In Africa, the shells were (and still are) used in sculptures; wood work, furniture, and pottery and as fashion accessories such as on Tasha's Summer/Cruiseline Hats.

 What do you use your cowry shells for?

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The Story behind the Swarovski Crystal:

Back in 1895, Daniel Swarovski had a dream of creating a crystal so perfect that it captured both the eye and the heart. The magic word was crystal. A raw material, which even the most ancient cultures ascribed beneficial, valuable, indeed miraculous properties. This fascinating material transformed the world of fashion and beauty into a seductively sparkling universe. It inspired the human race and enriched both art and culture. Today crystal has become part of the connection between people. Branded crystals Swarovski makes that dream come true, symbolizing beauty in the eye of the beholder and the technological perfection and innovation that is Swarovski.

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