The Haberdasher’s Mistake on The Runway

Fashion in a sense is dictated to the masses. For the fashion conscious types, the styles are dictated, and they become “slaves to fashion.” Thankfully that happens by choice today. Back in the 19th century men could not be seen in public without a top hat. It didn’t matter whether they were conducting business, or pleasure, they had to wear a top hat. The black hat was allowed anytime of the day. The gray hat was only to be worn in the daytime. However, when the hat was first made and worn by its designer in public, (the day’s runway) it caused a stir.

John Hetherington was a London haberdasher, and is thought to be the designer of the first top hat in 1797. What he did was make modifications to the day’s riding hat, which was round, and flat. He increased the height and size of the brim, used silk instead of the traditional beaver fur used on the riding hat. He wanted to show the world his new design, and he did to his detriment.

The haberdasher walked proudly down the streets of London and noticed women looking, but then screaming and fainting. Men would take one look and practically booed him out of London. Pup dogs yelped and ran away. A mob trampled a boy and broke his little arms. Finally a crowd surrounded the poor pioneering designer.

The riot was caused by the hat’s height and shininess. The public found his hat atrocious, offensive, and disturbing. The designer was taken to court and charged with disturbing the peace by, get ready for this, “appearing on the public highway wearing upon his head a tall structure having a shining luster and calculated to frighten timid people.” He was found guilty and fined 50 pounds, a lot for the day. A new law was also passed, “The Haberdasher Act,” no just kidding, but a law was passed which forbade people from ever wearing top hats.

It took another 22 years before the public was ready for top hats, and even then they had to be made of beaver fur. It wasn’t until the 1850’s when the public relaxed and allowed silk to be used on top hats. All I can say is, what would these “timid people,” do if they saw today’s fashion?

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