Cathy Hammond has a head for style – a passion for fashion which has seen her amass a collection of more than 100 vintage and retro hats over the past two-and-a-half years.
Until recently, they were tucked away in cupboards and the attic of her home in Itchenor, but her husband kindly agreed to clear the garage and convert it into a bright and colourful showroom where she can now display the eye-catching array of headwe
ar in all its glory.
Friends and neighbours have already called in to see the fascinating display and the reaction from all of them has been much the same – 'Wow!'
"I've always been a bit of a collector," says Cathy, who is almost 70.
"I used to collect teddy bears and Noddy-related things but decided I wanted to start on something new. There are a lot of vintage things going on at the moment and I love retro hats and already had a few, so that got me off to a start."
Many of the collection have since come from Cathy's regular forays to car boot and jumble sales – the biggest bargain cost just £1 while she has paid £6 to £10 for most, occasionally £20-plus if she spots one she just has to have.
The most expensive buy was £50 for a magnificent Harrods hat trimmed with ostrich feathers.
Just weeks ago she went up to Portobello Road in London and returned with four hats, and she is also a regular customer at a couple of vintage shops in Brighton.
"I have quite a few which were originally from Harrods and Swan and Edgar," she says.
"Some of the hats are from the 30s and 40s, perhaps one earlier than that, and the others from the 50s, 60s and 70s.
"I really like the little ones that
sit on the side of your head, probably made in the 1940s, but the one I
really treasure came from my mum, who is 93 now."
Last year Cathy wore one of her hats at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and at the moment she is trying to decide which of the collection she will sport for Vintage at Goodwood this August.
"I'll definitely be there and I've plenty of hats to choose from, but I'm not sure yet which it will be – my favourites at any time depend on my hairstyle and what I'm wearing."
