But let’s go back to the days of black and white photos which capture our grandpas and mas wearing hats with charm and a quiet dignity. Back then, everyone looked prim and proper as can be: men oozed with swagger in their fedoras and homburgs, while women were chic in cloches and floppies, and cute in newsboy caps. Hats were symbolic of status—the more you had to match with your outfits means the more trips you can afford to the hat makers.

The brand Kangol, established in 1936 by Jacques Spreiregen in England took the lead in the production of hats. Kangol, however, was not just a clever portmanteau for the words knitting, angora, and wool. And these head pieces were placed not just on anyone’s heads; the likes of the Beatles and British royalty such as Princess Diana wore these masterfully knitted hats.

The decline of hat-wearing may be attributed to the dawn of mass production clothing and accessories in the mid-20th century, but Kangol refused to take a step back and continued its tradition—with a fresh perspective. In the eighties, the hat makers remained in style, as it took on a more urban, hip-hop feel. Hats were no longer just for rock stars and royalty, but the Kangol name remained dominant, as it began to cater to the more vibrant, energetic, and youthful generation. Society met street, giving Kangol the crown among hat producers the world over. Hip-hop and Hollywood hat wearers include Chris Brown, Neyo, and Beyonce, as well as Madonna, Brad Pitt, and Mickey Rourke, whom we’ve seen don these hats in their videos and movies. Kangol also made it to the spreads of FHM, InStyle and Vogue, touted as the must-wear hat brand. Hats returned to the heads of fashionistas all around the world as endorsed by A-listers of all ages, which in turn has become emulated by many.

Kangol promises a casual look for 2010, and enters the new decade with a funkier look. Berets, cloches, newsboys, homburgs, pork pies and fedoras take up the 2010 collection. With the traditional solids come the plaids, prints, argyles, and checks in an assortment of bright and muted colors, perfect for anything from running your Saturday morning errands in flip flops, tees, and shorts, to a night out decked in party finery.

The Primer Group of Companies is the exclusive retailer and distributor of Kangol in the Philippines. Kangol is available on the following locations; Rustan's Makati, Urban Athletics Greenbelt 3, Bratpack Greenbelt 5, Tough Jeans Shangri-la,Tough Jeans Trinoma, R.O.X.