Hats off to Brixton, our NITH partner, whose timeless designs have resonated with musicians for generations
For centuries, musicians have used fashion as a form of self-expression, and hats have long been a signature accessory. From the iconic fedoras of jazz legends to the bucket hats of modern rappers, headwear transcends mere practicality, becoming an extension of an artist’s persona.
Leonard Cohen without a hat? I don’t think so, Bob Dylan, Stevie Nicks, and Frank Sinatra, ditto. Today, we celebrate this enduring connection between music and millinery, with a special nod to Brixton, a brand that understands the unique language of hats.
Jazz and the Fedora
The fedora’s association with jazz is undeniable. Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Chet Baker, and Billie Holiday all donned fedoras, their tilted brims adding an air of mystery and cool sophistication that perfectly complemented the genre’s smooth melodies.
Brixton’s selection of fedoras, crafted from premium materials like wool and felt, captures this timeless essence. Their fedora, for instance, exudes a vintage charm reminiscent of the golden age of jazz.
Rock and Roll
The fedora found a new home in the rebellious spirit of rock and roll. Bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones sported fedoras, and solo artists like Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, and Tom Waits, often tilted at a jaunty angle, symbolising their carefree attitude and defiance against convention.
Brixton’s Trilby, worn by the Blues Brothers epitomises this to a T.
Hip-Hop
From MC Lyte, to Run-D.M.C. and LL Cool J, hip-hop has embraced the bucket hat and ran with it. These hats served not just as fashion statements but also as cultural markers, signifying affiliation and identity.
Brixton honours this legacy with their own take on classic hip-hop styles. Their Bucket Hats, (currently obsessed with The Woodburn Packable Bucket Hat in Terracotta Sol Wash) available in a variety of colours and patterns, offers a versatile option for the modern hip-hop enthusiast.
Indie rockers and Pop Idols
Truckers hats transcended their utilitarian origins, finding a home in the wardrobes of musicians across genres. From the laid-back charm of indie rockers like Lambchop and Mac DeMarco to the rebellious energy of early hip-hop pioneers like Grandmaster Flash and Public Enemy, the mesh back and customisable front offered both comfort and a canvas for self-expression.
Even pop icons like Britney Spears and Gwen Stefani incorporated them into their early 2000s looks, solidifying their place in popular culture.
Country
Brixton pays homage to country music’s cherished cowboy hat tradition with a carefully curated selection of Stetson hats, celebrated for their superior quality. From the timeless “Range” to the “Cohen”, favoured by legends like Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson, there is an option to suit any Cowboys needs, and then some.
Beyond Genre
Musicians across genres continue to embrace the power of hats. Pharrell Williams’ signature porkpie hat has become as recognizable as his music, while Rihanna’s playful experimentation with beanies and fedoras showcases the versatility of headwear. Brixton caters to this diverse appreciation with their extensive collection, offering everything from classic beanies like the “Heist” to statement-making baker boy caps.
Brixton’s commitment to quality craftsmanship and timeless styles resonates with the spirit of music. Their hats are not merely accessories; they are testaments to the enduring power of self-expression and the rich cultural tapestry woven by musicians throughout history.
So, the next time you put on your favourite Brixton hat, remember the legacy it carries, a legacy shaped by the countless musicians who have made headwear an integral part of their artistic language.
To submit your tune to NITH, head here, and find out more about our NITH partner Brixton head here, or check out their website.
