Seen as both an art form and fashion statement, hat making, or millinery, has been a lauded craft for centuries. Even recently, hats’ popularity continues to rise, making designers such as London-based Philip Treacy a household name. But one need not travel overseas to discover hats worthy of praise. University of Georgia senior sculpture major Laura Katherine Rogers invites us into her whimsical world of fantastical hats worthy of any high fashion show or museum exhibition.
Laura Katherine Rogers, a native of Atlanta, was inspired by “color, texture and form” when creating her hat confections, which she calls “Bobbies.”
“I was thinking about the ridiculousness of putting a thing on your head and calling it a hat,” says Rogers. “I drew inspiration from British military uniforms. I was looking at Andy Warhol and his fascination with pop art. Bobbies reference an imaginary world but are influenced by current fashion trends.”
In terms of fashion, Rogers, who began knitting hats when she was 9 years old, was “interested in how the things we wear identifies with who we are. I am intrigued by the work of Alexander McQueen and how he views fashion as ‘escapism,’” Rogers says. “Nick Cave is another artist who has successfully blurred the lines of sculpture, fashion and performance art. I also enjoy street-style photographers such as The Sartorialist.”
Rogers’ hats might be an escape from the real world, but the artist is still looking forward to “real” life after graduation.
“I get to stay in Athens, and I am excited to get involved with the community in new ways! My long-term plans are to become an entrepreneur, write and illustrate a children’s book, make a monumental outdoor piece in a major city and to live life well with family and friends.”
For Rogers, art plays a vital role in Athens.
“Amongst the museums, galleries, studios, businesses, concert venues and more, art creates economic growth and a quality of life that is unique to Athens,” Rogers says. “A friend showed me a stand up comedy sketch of Patton Oswalt joking about living in Athens and I think he puts it well. ‘… It’s like living in a weird bubbled dream city of goodness.’ I think he is right! The artists, musicians and entrepreneurs living here are the ones that make Athens so dreamy.” — Styled by Kailey Profeta & Chandler Johnston
Hair & Makeup by Amanda Cooper
Models: Katie Mann & Kodiak Sauer
http://www.redandblack.com/ampersand/in-the-land-of-bobbies/collection_bb8951e2-e236-11e4-91d3-2f69c0889413.html
http://issuu.com/redandblack/docs/ampersand_april2015
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