The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-11
New Straw Hats Both Large
 And Small
By JANET wiNslow


 Jt is high time that we were seriously thinking of the first straw hats. It really wouldn't do to be behindhand in this very important matter. The first offerings must be carefully studied to get the designers point of view in re- gard to the most telling hints of the spring tendencies. Hats must change. and although many of the new models remind one of last seasons features, there is that subtle difference, slight though it might appear, that marks any one of the later hats as distinctively new. They are as lovely as any offer ing of spring hats has ever been, and it seems as though each of the designers has outdone himself in producing such delightful creations.
 There are so many variations that each woman has the privilege of chOos- ing the thing that becomes her most. For the past few seasons every woman has had to conform to the prevalent little cloche. with only now and then relief in the shape of a dress hat or something like that. Now she can wear a big hat if she feels that she is the type that really has to wear large dimensions and yet know that she is smart.
 Many women would rather wear an unbecoming style, if they are sure it is the lsat word in smartness, than put on anything which seems made espe cially for them but is not proclaiming itself as the latest thing. These women will now be able to cater to their own whims in the matter of spring hats, as all shapes and models are appearing with the opening rush. Perhaps later in the season there will be one or two decided shapes which must be lived up to, but it is we'll to take advantage of the movement when such vital con ditions are still undecided.
 Two of the extreme types of new hats are without doubt very charming and interesting as examples of the seasons mode, ari they are good guides as to what we are to expect in the line of new developments.
 The large hat is really a fresh in- spiration and shows that spring quality of unexpected newness which is an es- sential of true spring headwear. The high crown of the hat is of fine black milan straw, and this same straw forms the inside of the upturned brim. The brim is formed something like the tri- cornes which were worn long years ago by the Duchesses of Venice A similar idea is the long trailing veil which hangs down the back There is an all over design embroidered in cire ribbon on the veil, and the same cire in wider ribbons forms the front of the shim- mering brim. For a youthful or girlish face this type of hat is most becoming with its upward and informal lines.
 The other hat illustrated is of an altogether different type. It is the small, trig, formal hat which can be worn with great smartness by the ma ture woman. On younger face it makes for charming appearance of dignity and severe calmness. It is 80 sufficient in itself that it needs a more or less sophisticated head beneath it. The foundation of the hat is fine milan, with the tiny, strangely twisted brim lined with heavy moire. The crown has the new highness, which we see on near ly all the dressy hats in contrast to the very low crowns of the sport hats. The next very chic feature is the unusual feather trimming. It is uncurled ostrich put all over the crown and dropping down the side to the shoulder in flattering soft line An artificial bird head has been constructed with bril- lantly contrasting color to top off the right side.