Pickett ’ s New Back Pack
Handmade in England using a heavy grade waterproofed canvas trimmed with British bridle hide , this is a modern , spacious rucksack . Featuring one main compartment with an additional internal pocket . Featuring fully adjustable shoulder straps and an easy to hold top handle .
This contemporary but classic rucksack is ideal for those looking for a less formal alternative to a standard briefcase . Constructed using a heavy canvas with a waterproof membrane and trimmed with British bridle hide this rucksack is robust and hard-wearing , to ensure the bag works as hard as you do . These rucksacks are all handmade by highly skilled British craftsmen , ensuring each item is constructed individually with pride and perfection .
At Pickett we source all of our leathers from British leather merchants , choosing exquisite leathers and bespoking exclusive new colours to add to our wide range of vibrant and traditional colours . The leathers we use are finest quality naturally tanned hides and are designed for not only style , but for longevity and durability . We offer a comprehensive after sales service giving reassurance that , should it be necessary , each product can be repaired and maintained throughout its lifetime . RRP : £ 295.00 | www . pickett . co . uk
Is it a Trilby or a Fedora ?
Some items in one ’ s ideal wardrobe are so ubiquitous that we don ' t consider their origins . Hats are one of those objects and in particular the Trilby and Fedora .
Generally made of wool felt or fur felt with the crown creased and pinched , with a narrow brim , the Trilby could be termed a subset of the broader brimmed Fedora .
Both were originally styles for women , but which came first … the Trilby or the Fedora ?
The Trilby stems from a 1895 stage adaptation of George Du Maurier ' s novel of the same name . The eponymous heroine wore wore a newly shaped hat with a narrow brim , promptly named the Trilby .
As men rejected the over-formal attire of the 19th century , and with it , the top hat , fashionable men sought a new type of headwear . HRH Prince Edward , always a style setter , adopted the Fedora in the mid 1920s . We like to think it was a political statement too : The Fedora was previously much favoured by women ' s rights activists . Could HRH ’ s approval have been tacit support for the movement ?
The Fedora quickly gained the upper hand when it was subsequently adopted by Hollywood , in a strange twist of fate , as shorthand for virile manliness ( think Humphrey Bogart ). The Fedora was worn de rigueur by every tough guy . Only the feistiest female characters ever wore a Fedora on the silver screen .
As the 20th Century progressed , the Trilby once again surged ahead in the 1960s as fashions changed again ( think Frank Sinatra ). The Fedora wasn ’ t finished and made a comeback in the 1980s with a certain Dr Indiana Jones .
In our opinion the Trilby spawned the Fedora , however , it is the vagaries of fashion that have changed their relative fortunes . After a century , both are in good health , even though they are no longer mainstream attire .
The sartorial significance of a hat and gloves is sorely underestimated in 2010s . The old advertising slogan ( whose origin is claimed by many ) “ Get Ahead , Get a Hat ” still has merit : Wearing a hat gives you added confidence , swagger and style . A good hat marks you out as a man or woman of independence and good taste .
Win your own Tom , Dick & Harry Trilby in any size or colour by simply answering the following question :
Who adopted the Fedora in the mid 1920s ? Please send your answer and postal address to : editorial @ thegentlemanmagazine . co . uk
The winner will be contacted via email on May 30th .
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