Hats always steal the show
Durban July is all about the headgear
YOU CAN wear fancy jewellery and have the best shoes, but at the Durban July it’s always the hats that steal the show.
Just ask local hat retailer Thelma Naidoo, who is preparing for one of the busiest days on the hat calendar. She owns The Royal Hatter, a shop in Dorothy Nyembe (Gardiner) Street, whose colourful façade draws the hat lovers through her doors.
“On Durban July, we are open till the late afternoon.
“Often people come in at 3pm on the Saturday, all dressed up in their beautiful designer clothing, hair and make-up done, and all they are looking for is a beautiful hat to complete their look,” said Naidoo.
From veils and the ever-popular fascinator to wide-brimmed hats – there is something for everyone.
“A hat is a statement piece… People can wear plain clothing, but a really fancy hat,” she said.
Her hats range from R180 to just over R1 000.
Hat styles had changed over the years, she said, but people chose hats based on their clothes.
“When choosing a hat, you have to consider the outfit you are wearing, the shape of your body and the look you want.
“Many people come to browse what we have on offer and then on the day of the Durban July they come and make their purchase. It really is a beautiful item and it’s what the Durban July is known for,” she said.