The Black Hat Society is coming your way. According to the Atlantic City newspaper, The Press, some male retirees in Smithville were looking for a fun bonding experience so they came up with a macho version of a male Red Hat Society called The Black Hats. “Instead of tea, they will attend Atlantic City Surf games, go golfing or play poker. Just one rule: Everyone must wear a black hat.” According to Mike DiBella, the organizer of the Black Hats, "We got very envious of the red hatters - they were going places and doing things, and they left their husbands at home.” DiBella said that after he came up with the idea he had no problem finding men to join his club. He already has 18 members. "We could do happy hour somewhere, maybe a cruise on the Spirit of Philadelphia. As long as our hats don't get blown in the water." It’s interesting to note that these men (who are older in years) wore cowboy hats, baseball caps (one worn backward), a dress hat and a Kangol hat. "When you put on a hat," said member Alan Levin, "it changes your personality." For more information call Mike DiBella at (609) 404-0181.

The cowboy hat in straw, paper and raffia has been selling well for spring at David & Young. Also selling well: bright colored linen/cotton fedoras. DAVID & YOUNG, the trendy Junior headwear company, sees an increase in varying shades of apple green, appliqués, sequins, and rhinestones. For fall they are making ultra-suede hats with faux fur, helmet shaped cold weather knit hats, new angora styles and button trims. DAVID & YOUNG is a 40- year- old hat and accessory importer and off- shore manufacturer. They make hats for designers; mall- based junior chain stores and better department stores. Prices are moderate.

CHARITY FUNDRAISERS are now using hats as a drawing card. We just heard that the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Spring Hat Luncheon in Pittsburgh not only got its guests to wear impressive millinery, but their May 7th event was so popular that they opted not to hold a preview party to publicize the event. "Before the invitations were mailed, we already had 652 reservations.” Last year, the event drew 780 guests and raised $480,000 for the Conservancy.

DO I SEE A TREND HERE? You bet I do. How about Headwear Manufacturers getting together with Non-profit and charitable organizations to put on hat luncheons? I recently attended a fundraiser luncheon for the Boca Raton Museum at Mar a Lago in Palm Beach. (Yes, it was very cool, and no, Donald was nowhere in sight). I wore a white straw oversized visor with black trim from San Diego Hats, and a few women came up and asked me where they could buy a similar hat. There was also a full table of Red Hat Society Ladies (see photo in the gallery).