Head Over Heels for Hats

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Larger-than-life hats, ranging from sculptural to frivolous are showing up on both men's and women's runways at New York Fashion Week. Playful pompoms have surfaced on more than one occasion, as have hoods. The overall headwear the mantra, "the bigger the better."

At Narciso Rodriguez, models were ready for war. The Cuban-born designer channeled medieval times with black armor-like helmets that covered three-quarters of the face, save for two holes for eyes. Agyness Deyn made her Fashion Week debut as the first model to walk Anna Sui's catwalk for fall. Covering her peroxide blond bob was a knit cap that sprouted an enormous feather and lace from its frontal lobe. A parade of similarly eccentric, feathered and crystal-encrusted caps followed.

Over on Oscar de la Renta's runway—topping off an extremely luxurious collection (think fur by the truck load and a handful of gowns that may very well appear on the Oscars' red carpet come Sunday)— there were enormous chapeaus fit for an incredibly glamorous church service. Sunday hats on steroids. And Yeohlee, threeASFOUR, and Zero + Maria Cornejo sent hoods down the runway.

Meanwhile, Diane Von Furstenberg and Duckie Brown punched up their respective shows with poppom hats. At DVF, multiple pompoms adorned floppy knit hats, adding a dose of whimsy to a collection inspired by a mythical "nomad." At Duckie Brown, male models sported knit caps topped off with one giant pompom, offering just the kind of cartoonish fun the collection is renowned for. And, continuing the neon trend, Michael Kors showcased fluorescent orange and pink fur-trapper hats that engulfed the heads of his sleekly outfitted models. Sadly, the confidence required to sport such over-the-top creations is not included with their purchase.