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Top Hats ... Where Did You Go?
Made most popular by Abraham Lincoln, the top hat has been a classic symbol of American power, especially in political and social circles. However, throughout the end nineteenth century, the style quickly faded from the status quo.
While a top hat was once considered to be the status symbol du jour of the American upper crust, it is now considered a novelty item worn by imposter “pimps.” How did this style evolve, and why did it eventually fade away into obscurity?
The Prestigious Origins of the Top Hat
Top hats were considered to be the ultimate fashion style of the nineteenth century. Popularized by French diplomats after their inception in the late 18th century, top hats were quite popular in America at the beginning of the 19th century, up until World War I. However, historians remember the golden age of men's hats with much fondness, often referring to the 19th century as the "Century of the Top Hat." The iconic "Uncle Sam" character is forever accented by his white "stove pipe hat."
From Prestige into Bizarre Fashion Statements
Considering what a large impact top hats exuded on popular culture, it is strange that they have so blatantly disappeared from the fashion industry. However, like any retro fashion statement, the top hat has indeed seen some various reincarnations in modern times.
Top hats have found huge contemporary popularity in gothic cultures. Many famous figures in the gothic subculture don top hats to make a statement... or, at least they try. Rocker groups like Fallout Boy use top hats to make a statement. (Regardless of the fashion history significance of this fact, try to avoid duplicating anything Pete Wentz does.)
Furthermore, top hats are frequently seen as party favors. Who has not spent a New Years Eve only to see hundreds of glittery cardboard top hats? While the phenomenon of "ironic top hats" may be totally annoying, the party favors modeled after top hats demonstrate the major cultural significance that this once popular style had.
Looking at the historical significance of top hats certainly has the power to make one nostalgic for this once popular style. It certainly makes one fondly remember for the political power these hats once held. While we don't foresee it happening, we secretly wish Barack Obama would try the style out at his next speech or press conference! |
