2019 HATalk Competition Entry

Kristi Pickup

Kristi Pickup – United Kingdom

Veiled

Description

My hat illustrates the delicate balance within a fragile mind.

When the state of equilibrium is tipped and dark thoughts start to creep-in, the addition of a hat can assist the deception and help hide feelings from society.

This hat sits on the brink of the forehead, balanced almost at tipping-point; deliberately giving the appearance of a somewhat precarious hat to wear. I predominantly chose synthetic materials, as I wanted lustrous surfaces to reflect the expectations that society puts on individuals.

The tensioned crin ‘veil’ acts as a barrier and conceals the true-self beneath. Putting up ‘a front’, a composed and serene façade, which society likes to perceive, in contrast to the tormented interior (the rear of the hat) of an unstable mind. Smiley faced beaded flowers (look closely) create a reflective feature not unexpected on a hat, but the fractured and fragmented pieces of chrome vinyl hint at a broken mind within.

The central six-layer button ‘core’ represents the brain or mind. The multifaceted plastic outer reflects many viewpoints. The lining expresses the inner turmoil; the vibrant, clashing orange colour, fabric twists and contorts, creating a feeling of unrest and black spikes keep unwelcome attention away.

The brim folds forwards to expose the negative thoughts at the ‘back of one’s mind’, waves of emotions are revealed in an explosion of thoughts and feelings, literally putting those feelings into words, along with erratic synthetic spirals to suggest the sensation of losing control.

As a milliner, I find it intriguing how hats can be an outward expression of delight, yet at the same time act as a barrier, an accessory of concealment or disguise. They can also draw attention and literally be a shout-out for help too: look at me …but not too closely.

Materials

CROWN