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We
went to Clarendon Road, the most northerly of the 'hatting' streets
in Luton, where several hat firms are still operating.
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Hat
trimmings.
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One
of the most famous is K.R.Snoxell and Sons, famous for the Luton
'Civic Boater'.
The
firm is still headed by 88-year-old Ken Snoxell, who has been in
the hat trade for 70 years!
The
company is a blend of old and new. They might still be using a 17
Guinea Sewing Machine but now they have their own website.
We
saw the whole hat-making process, from blocking the hat in a steam-filled
workshop, to sewing it with binds and pads, to carefully trimming
it in the latest fashions.
You
can tell from the enthusiasm of the staff that each new hat is treated
as if it's going to be worn by the Queen herself!
We
saw the making of a large- brimmed hat, trimmed using Sinamay material.
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| Lucy models
a Snoxell hat. |
The
material is from the Philippines and is the most popular substance
for making hats with because it's light and easy to wear.
The
hat we saw will eventually end up on the head of a lady attending
Ascot.
These
Snoxells designer hats retail in the stores for £90 to £200
- the company has goneupmarket in order to survive.
The
company used to mass-produce hats, such as the famous boater.
At
one time of course, everybody wore hats, so why did they stop?
Ken
Snoxell believes its because of womens changing hairstyles
and the need for a new hat-wearing icon after the death of Diana,
Princess of Wales.
The
showroom full of hats for the coming season was certainly very impressive,
especially a black feathery creation that Lucy became particularly
attached to!
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