At exhibition, leave your hat on

We may be fascinated by fascinators worn by royals and fashion eccentrics, but chances are the last time you wore a hat was simply as protection from the cold.

Hats were once an integral part of dressing and dressing up, from the Easter bonnet to the top hat, and of everyday wear, too. The McCord Museum is presenting Hats Off !, an exhibition from the Musée de la civilisation de Québec that showcases the long-time wardrobe staple.

The exhibition of 80 hats, complemented by photographs, bears witness to the social history of Quebec and pays homage to the creativity of Montreal hat-makers, according to Suzanne Sauvage, president of the McCord.

Among the pieces on display are works by contemporary hat-making artists like Lucie Grégoire, whose hats have been worn by Johnny Depp, and Mireille Racine.

Hats Off ! is on at the McCord Museum, 690 Sherbrooke St. W., from April 30 to Aug. 18. On May 15, the public is invited to wear a hat to the exhibition for a chance to win a door prize.

MUSÉE DE LA CIVILISATION Two hats from the 20th century that will be on display in an exhibition at the McCord Museum.