POPULAR CULTURE DICTATES THAT FASHION BE COMFY AND COOL

Has anyone noticed that Jeans and T-shirts have become the uniform of choice for high profile celebrities, artists and recording stars? Even Simon Cowell, who has more money than God, struts his stuff around in a simple pair of blue jeans. The man made an appearance on the Jay Leno Show and still donned his durable denims.

In my day (which seems like ancient history) we got dressed up for evening events and TV appearances. It was part pride, part creative license to make oneself look nicely coiffed. But today all bets are off. Adam Sandler was on the talk show circuit this week (with Leno) and wore an outfit more appropriate for washing his car or hanging in the dugout.

What does that mean to the fashion business?

I think it means if you are rich and famous enough you can call your own fashion shots. It also means that dressing up has become an optional requirement for making the scene. Could it be that some people are above fashion… or are jeans the new equivalent to a jacket and tie?

If you saw last week’s Academy of Country Music Awards you would have noticed that jeans are part of the uniform for this genre of musicians, but it’s always been part of this demographics’ persona.

If young people are going to be casual and comfortable - and ignore what the fashion elite has to say - then it’s a good bet that the headwear industry should do the same. Perhaps that is why companies like Goorin Brothers do such a good job of making fashion the anti-fashion statement. They create irreverent, yet creative pop culture catalogues with hats that push the outer limits of hippie chic. And it seems to be working for them.

The question still remains - is this a fashion emergency or are we doomed? It seems to me that the hat industry has to reflect this casual countenance?

The Jury is still out though. Any ideas - let me know.