Ask not for whom the bell tolls—it tolls for the fashion-forward. Cloche hats, named after the French word for "bell" because of their distinctive shape, have become a staple this season for women who want to shut out unpleasant weather or unwanted stares. New York City milliner Patricia Underwood, whose $200 to $550 cloches hug the heads of Gwyneth Paltrow, Nicole Kidman and Barbra Streisand, says the 1920s-inspired toppers are for ladies who like to play coy. "They're good to wear when you want to go incognito," she observes. "They make you look mysterious." No wonder infamous intern Monica Lewinsky has traded her look-at-me beret for one of these small-brimmed, forehead-concealing numbers.
Traditionally made of wool felt, cloches are just as popular these days in leather or cotton and cashmere knits (the choice of Natalie Cole, who ordered several from Underwood). Flattering on almost everyone, the hats "instantly dress up an outfit and make you look chic," says Hollywood fashion stylist Jessica Paster, who garbs Minnie Driver and Kim Basinger. Another ringing endorsement comes from model Angie Everhart, who sported her favorite oversize fauxfur cloche at a recent movie premiere. "I wear cloches if I'm having a bad hair day," she confesses. "These hats have an attitude."
with Steven Cojocaru in Los Angeles
- Contributors:
- Steven Cojocaru.
