I recently had the privilege of hosting an international hat making competition on my website - www.hatalk.com. The theme was 'Connections' and it was really inspirational to see all of the creative ways that hat makers around the world interpreted this concept. I wanted to share a photo of the winning hat with you because it reminded me of the women of the Red Hat Society. 

This hat is called 'Marry-Anne' and it was made by Australian milliner Anne Belyaeva. The red 'button' base of the hat is made from red leather, which was created in the traditional way of being blocked, or stretched, over a wooden form. The black geometric design is made of Perspex, a material that is quite new to the hat making world and is quickly becoming very popular. Anne planned out the design on a computer and then laser cut the Perspex into the shape she wanted. 

I think you'll agree that it's a stunning and unusual hat and a worthy competition winner. It's cutting edge but also traditional. It's classic but also very modern. It's a serious fashion item but also lots of fun. And that's why it reminded me of you. The women of the Red Hat Society embody these qualities, too. You are intelligent, classy and full of neat traditions - but you're also fun, modern, forward-thinking and enjoy using the latest technology to connect with your fellow RHS Sisters. You ladies are an inspiration!

You can find out more about how Anne made her winning hat and see the other winning headpieces here. 

Remember, Red Hat Society Members can get $40 off a HATalk subscription. Just go to www.hatalk.com and enter coupon code rhs2016 at the checkout. 

Not a member of the Red Hat Society? There's only one, join the fun!

You are invited to join your Red (and Pink) Hat Sisters for an experience of a lifetime, where joy, laughter and the electricity of fun and friendship reign supreme in the city that never sleeps!  Let this serve as your official invitation to the Red Hat Society's 2017 Hats in the City International Convention in New York, New York.