“The Mood Dictates the Hat”

Sprightly,elegant,feisty,gentle are the ladies who love to wear hats.  Strong in personality,dignified in manner and outspoken on their topic,  Bahamian ladies are as diverse and lovely as  the sea shells gracing our shores.  Strong as conch shells yet colorful as sea fans,  their heads are graced with a millinery appropriate for every occasion-  church, shopping or meeting the Queen of England,Scotland and Wales.  They come from all walks of life,  have lived full, independent lives and have had their share of challenges. Yet without exception, our ladies are beautiful.

They love life,  family and community.  Finding the right hat to finish an outfit is a way for them to celebrate an important event….to pay their respects with dignity…to show the younger generation their role as an elder and spouse—-and to look and feel good.

To me, it is the ladies themselves, their inner beauty and strength, which dictates the hat…. You too will agree when you meet them through Lyndah’s beautiful photography.To date, we’ve interviewed a lively seamstress, a fire dancer, a care-giving older sister, a matron and her daughter. We’ve admired their hat collections, (and yes, they have many)and have listened to their stories.

The hat is evolving into a symbol far more than just a head decoration.

We continue our interviews this week. … And I can’t wait!