CJAD 800AM at 8:40am – Hats
Q1: Since both men and women are more conscious of the sun’s rays on our skin we are seeing more people wearing caps and hats in the summer.
With hats it’s more of a personal look than a fashion style, it has to fit with your facial structure. I think I’m seeing more men wearing hats these days. Perhaps they are seeing more male musicians and stars wearing more hats – especially those small brimmed small crowned trilby styles. Panama hats are popular in the summer and caps of course.
Q2: Where would they find those?
Henri Henri has been open for 78 years – the last of a dying breed. Hopefully, the fashion of men nattily dressed with their hats cocked to one side (Rhett Butler, where are you?) will come back again. If so, this hatter is ready. In business since 1932, he’s the only one left with a full range of western hats, berets, Panamas, caps and fedoras in both the royal & sovereign qualities and all the rest (Borsalino, Mayser, Stetson, Akubra, Jonathan Richards, Pannizza). Canes, umbrellas, bowties, ascots and re-blocking and cleaning can all be found here. Come on in, buy one and start the trend!
Location: 189 St Catherine est
Corner: Hotel de Ville
Phone: 514-288-0109
Hours: Mon-Thurs 10-6, Fri 10-9, Sat & Sun 10-5
www.henrihenri.ca
Q3: I understand that store has a famous past.
With hockey in its final lap, it’s appropriate to talk about where the “hat trick” got started. In order to promote the store, the original owners offered any hockey player who scored 3 goals in a game a free hat. Many Canadiens took advantage Gordie Howe, Stan Mikita, Bobbie Hull, The Rocket. There’s a 2′ X 3′ photo of these legends wearing their hats inside the store.
M. Henri was a clever marketer He was also the first to print hockey schedules (his ad on it of course) and would pass out 15,000 copies at the first game. Big companies loved the concept and took his idea. Henri Henri was not his real name. Ozarius Henri was not very memorable and realized Henri Henri was much catchier.
Q4: Okay women, also wear hats, where can they shop?
Not only do women don hats for the summer sun, I also get questions about wearing hats for weddings and formal affairs.
Nicole & Co has been around for 24 years in the field of hats. You can shop wholesale here for mostly dressy styles (gray flannel cloche, gavroche, peau de soie, organza and silk, velvet, lace, mink) or bring in your own fabric for them to make one to match an outfit. Some casual berets, straw foldables, scarves, cashmere caps, dressy headbands and shawls are also around.
Phone: 514-383-5599
Hours: by appointment Mon-Thurs 9-5, Fri 9-4, sometimes Sun
www.nicole-co.com
C’hat’peau, La Griffe is a little atelier where you can find a collection of mainly everyday hats made from wool, felt, velvet, cashmere, straw and cotton. Some are soft and foldable and others are wowy for special occasions. The owner helps you reflect your own personality through your hat; If you are classic she will lead you to the classic styles, if you are small, you should avoid the big brim styles but she also knows that sometimes yo will want to look like a movie star and just splurge with a “look at me” creation. Prices range from $45-$250.
Phone: 514- 288-5254
Hours: by appointment
Note: Haven’t been up there in awhile and she hasn’t called me back for this interview. If anyone goes or knows more, please e-mail me.