The James A. Michener Art Museum tipped its hat to the smartest toppers from the past 200 years in its exhibition, "Stylish Hats: 200 Years of Sartorial Sculpture." The exhibition, from January 19 through April 14, 2002, is sponsored by Kay Lopata Fine Arts and Intrigue Fine Apparel, with additional support from Architectural Woodworking Associates, Jane M. Yeroukis, and Sadye Rose Hats & Fine Accessories.

This major exhibition from the collection of Neil Vincent, which was circulated by Museum Presentation Associates, presented a multitude of high-style creations that reflected the changing fashions of designer hats from 1780 to 1970 and included hats from legendary milliners such as Virot, Felix, Lilly Dache, Balmain and Balenciaga.

"These are classic designs that represent the best historic examples of artistry and craftsmanship. They are the purest form of fashion whose only function is to be fashionable," wrote Mr. Vincent about his collection.

This group of hats reflected the changing "fashionable ideals" of two centuries. Beginning with a rare calash from about 1780, made of moss-green silk taffeta ribbons, the exhibition provided a colorful tour of hat making.

Above right: Dressy hat of apricot-coloured straw with flowers, c. 1956, Mr. Arnold Collection of Neil Vincent ... Above left: Dressy hat of satin and velvet with roses and forget-me-nots, c. 1909, Collection of Neil Vincent.

	In Doylestown: Saving Face: Portraits from the Collection of Robert Infarinato Shifting Ground: Contemporary Landscapes by Paula Chamlee, Alan Goldstein, and Paul Matthews Outdoor Sculpture Program: Barry Parker In New Hope: Claus Mroczynski: Sacred Places of the Southwest

	Stylish Hats! Press Release