Design and Architecture
Hats and High Culture, Reconsidered
From an opera designed by Frank Gehry and Rodarte to Philip Treacy's futuristic hats, a look at how some old traditions are being reconsidered for our time.
By Frances Anderton • • 30m ListenFrom opera to hats, a fresh twist on old traditions? Hear about Frank Gehry and Rodarte's Don Giovanni from Thomas Aujero Small and Victoria Newhouse. Philip Treacy and Frank Strauss discuss America's renewed interest in hats. Plus, Hunter Drohojowska-Philp remembers Vidal Sassoon, and Anayansi Diaz-Cortez and Eric Pearse-Chavez tell us about the Sonic Trace design challenge to KCRW listeners.
Banner image: Hat by milliner Philip Treacy, shown at Christopher Guy Showroom during Britweek. Courtesy of Rex Gelert Photography
In this episode
4 storiesOpera Reaches New Audiences
This Friday night, the Walt Disney Concert Hall will unveil the first of four performances of Don Giovanni . It will have sets designed by architect Frank Gehry, costumes by conceptual clothiers Laura and Kate Mulleavy of Rodarte, and Gustavo Dudamel at the podium.
Read the story10 minHats Are Turning Heads Again
It used to be that nobody went bareheaded; now most people do. But hats are making a comeback. And one reason for that might be Philip Treacy. He is the designer and hand-maker of extraordinary headgear for the likes of Lady Gaga and members of the Royal family.
Read the story11 minRemembering Vidal Sassoon
The legendary hairdresser Vidal Sassoon recalled that in the 1950s, you'd place a hat on women’s hair and “dress their hair around it.” Last Wednesday, Vidal Sassoon died, at the age of 84, leaving a huge cultural legacy. KCRW's own art critic, Hunter Drohojowska-Philp, was a great friend of his and remembers his remarkable contribution.
Read the story5 minDesign a Sound Booth for 'Sonic Trace'
Calling KCRW designers, builders and engineers! The independent radio producers Anayansi Diaz-Cortez and Eric Pearse-Chavez are working on a documentary project called Sonic Trace, which captures the stories of immigrants from Southern Mexico and Central America.
Read the story3 min