The Gaucho

Rive Gaucho: Wearing a vintage wool felt hat inspired by the somberos of South America

The  Gaucho

The traditional Gaucho hats is a felt hat with a wide flat brim, a shallow flat-topped crown and, on most, a wind tie. This hat was the main article of clothing used by Gauchos in the early 19th century to work on the South American ranges. The nomadic cowhands of the Argentinean grasslands were in need of a hat that would protect them from the harsh winds when out on the prairie herding cattle. The gaucho sombrero is usually black and is sometimes worn with the brim turned up against the windy conditions to ward off the chill.

One can not help but feel the tinge of the dramatic when wearing almost anything from the 1980s. This Gaucho inspired vintage wool felt hat by Betmar is no exception. 

With its black jersey knit attached neck scarf, it looks a bit like something a woman of mystery (or villainess?) would wear in a silent movie. Exotic, commanding, and with just a touch of practical to combat a winter chill. After all, even women of mystery need to keep their bits warm!
 
This topper makes a grand entrance, and grandly I go- off to participate yet again in The Style Crone's monthly HAT ATTACK. If you, like me, are a hat lover, you're going to want to pay Judith and her cronies a visit, too!

If one is so inclined, you can buy this show stopper, topper HERE.