ALL THAT GLITTERS MIGHT BE SOMETHING TO BEHOLD IN HEADWEAR

JESSICA SIMPSON GOES GLAM: HEADWEAR REQUIRED	GUCCI KNOWS THAT METALLICS ARE HEATING UP THE FASHION PALETTE

It’s time to think about adding more glamour and glitz to your headwear collections. The swimwear shows in Miami - and the designer shows in Paris and Italy - have me convinced that gold, silver and gilt are poised to make a huge comeback. If you remember the 80’s then you will remember the popularity of hats with jeweled bands and nail-head trims. Well, it’s time for a re-make of this Hollywood glamour.

I’ve also been thinking about the hat as a collector’s item or status symbol. If a woman will part with $250 for a pair of jeans, why won’t she do the same for a hat? The consumer today often feels that the more she (or he) spends on an accessory or apparel item the more valuable it becomes. If you need proof, look at the handbag market. Women of all ages clamor for Gucci handbags and Hermes scarves – and they cost as much as my parent’s first home!

You have to be sleeping under a rock not to notice that headwear has become something of a fashion statement on designer runways. Add that to the celebrity endorsement of hats and you have a bonafide trend that is peaking at this very moment.

I’m not saying you should make your whole line more expensive – or that every hat should have glitter and glitz (or a peace sign) but it’s a great publicity idea. Do you remember the $6 million bra from Victoria Secret? They didn’t expect to them, but they did expect to get a lot of publicity from the item – and they did.

By the way, how about making some rhinestone trimmed peace hats with peace symbols. The peace movement is gaining momentum (trust me on this one) and consumers of all ages are donning symbols of peace around their necks and on their cars. Now is the perfect time for hats, scarves and bags with peace symbols.