Normally the family Stylederektor are highly supportive of Derek’s fashion choices. There have also been moments where he has been ahead of the curve and items at which we have expressed initial horror, have, in time, become popular (e.g red trousers – he was waaaaay ahead of the curve on those).

However he’s recently taken to an item that we can neither support, or honestly even see becoming popular:

Derek explains:

“I’ve always admired the old Hollywood stars such as Cooper, Gable, Bogart and most of all Gary Grant.

(How does he remain immaculate when  being chased by a crop duster aeroplane in North by North West?)

They were of that generation which were always underdressed without a hat. And the most popular seems to be the Fedora or Trilby.

I’ve owned several Panama hats in various styles which always look elegant, be it at Lord’s for the cricket, or in a warm climate. My current Panama has seen service in India, Italy, The French Riviera and the Caribbean.

So having watched too many episodes of “ Boardwalk Empire” I decided to ask my daughter and son-in–law for a Christies Fedora for Christmas.

It’s a beauty, navy with sharp snap brim and red lining.

I’m wearing it here with a Loden Coat, red cashmere scarf and black leather gloves.

The trouble is that it is like Marmite, either liked or loathed, particularly loathed by Mrs Stylederektor.

One of my daughters thinks I look like Judge Doom in “Who killed Roger Rabbit.”

I’m sorry, but we just cannot get on board with this hat. As far as I’m concerned my observation re. him looking like Judge Doom is spot on:

That character gave me nightmares as a child, and I’m no warmer to him as an adult. However, my dislike of the hat is nothing compared to the level of vitriol it inspires in Mrs Stylederektor – she literally cannot be in the same room as it, won’t walk with him when he wears it out, and (honestly this is not a word of exaggeration) the mere mention of it sends her into a rage.

Last night she was fuming at there even being a conversation about the hat, and snapped at me once Derek had left the room ‘I don’t know why you bought him that thing, he looks like a bleeding child molester!’

I think Derek’s styling is to blame on that one, I can’t help but think he’d get away with it if he styled a similar hat with a lighter trench, but the dark coat, leather gloves and red scarf together result in an air of the sinister. Like a pared down version of the Childcatcher.

So Derek has resigned himself to wearing this one alone. Poor Derek.

Are the family Stylederektor being unfair? Or would you cross a street if you saw him heading towards you? Thoughts welcome.