Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, November 29, 1993 TAG: 9311300364
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ALMENA HUGHES STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
``The major designers always show hats with their collections. Hats complete an outfit,'' said milliner Ruth Hunt, owner of New Jersey-based R. Hunt & Co.
Hunt will show her collection of custom-designed winter hats on Saturday at the Roanoke Airport Marriott. The award-winning graduate of New York's Fashion Institute of Technology's millinery program also will bring the experience (nearly 25 years in clothing design) and expertise necessary to answer almost everything you've always wanted to know about hats but were unsure whom to ask.
Speaking recently by phone from her office, Hunt said that at one time, most better department stores had millinery departments where specially trained salespeople could help customers make appropriate selections. Now, most department store hat buyers are on their own.
``Some of the store hats are nice enough, but they're mostly felt, which is hard and a little like cardboard,'' Hunt said.
She prefers working in softer fabrics and has a special fondness for velour. Besides, she said, not everyone can buy a hat off the rack. Some people's heads are naturally larger or smaller than the 22 1/2-inch norm, or head size is increased by a wig or hair extensions. Many times, potential hat-wearers are simply uncertain about what will or will not work for them.
``My best customers are first-time wearers or women with large heads who always had to buy men's hats to get them to fit. With custom-made, they get to have a `pretty' hat,'' Hunt said.
She said that proper fit is a prime consideration. A hat that is too tight may cause headaches or make the head itch. If the hat is too large and shifts about, it also will be uncomfortable and is unlikely to be worn. To find your hat size, measure your head`s circumference from the center of your upper forehead and around the crown about two inches above your ears.
Hunt said that age, face and body shape and size, whether or not the person wears eyeglasses and what uses or occasions the hat is planned for also are things to think about when buying a hat.
A brochure called ``Hatiquette'' that Hunt dispenses answers some commonly asked questions: A good and properly cared for hat can last 20 to 30 years.
Yes, a hat may be worn to certain business meetings, on an airplane, in a restaurant and even to the theater. ``May one use a hat to hide one`s hair when it is in need of attention?'' the brochure asks. ``One may ... . One often does.''
Although she doesn`t live here, Hunt is familiar with the valley's style. Her grandmother, Ruth Clark, and parents, John and Patricia Hunt, all have lived in Roanoke for many years. Hunt also presented a show here in 1991 at St. Paul`s Methodist Church.
``I get to Roanoke fairly often,'' Hunt said. ``I take my mother to brunch or a luncheon there every Mother's Day, and we wear hats. People there also could wear hats to church, to funerals or to cocktail parties. I`ve found that the women of Roanoke can be very glamorous and well-dressed. I think they`d wear more hats if they were available.''
Hunt plans to show an array of styles, including hats in velours, suedes, leathers, brocades, a few with feathers or rhinestones and a few animal prints. She also will have some men`s hats. Prices will range from about $50 up, with the average $85 to $95.
Custom orders will be received in about one or two weeks from the order date.
Hunt said her hallmark is the hats` quality, lines and workmanship.
``My hats tend to be subtle and tasteful. They're made to enhance the outfit and the face, but not to scream. They need to be tried on; their shapes make them come alive.''
The show will be held in the Director's Suite. Informal browsing will start at 2 p.m., with a formal show at 4 p.m. and more browsing until 6 p.m. For information, call Patricia Hunt, 563-0994, or Ruth Hunt, (201) 626-8899.
by CNB