【明報專訊】Hats and headpieces do not just keep you warm - they can also make a statement about yourself. Let's find your favourite one!

Deerstalker

As its name suggests, the deerstalker originated from deer hunting. It was popularised between 1870-1890, when sportswear became fashionable among men. It was then perceived to be the headwear of detectives due to its common association with Sherlock Holmes. Surprisingly, the deerstalker is never explicitly mentioned in any of the Holmes books! It was not widely known until Holmes' illustrator Sidney Paget gave Sherlock a deerstalker hat.

Beret

Although it is popularised by the French, the beret has a Spanish history. It was a modern version of the traditional hat worn by peasants and shepherds in Europe. The beret is now in the global fashion culture and is nicknamed the "painter's hat", as artists such as Monet (莫奈, picture), Cezanne (塞尚) and Picasso (畢卡索) were also its fans.

■English highway﹕Although

It is used for introducing a statement that makes the main statement in a sentence seem surprising.

(ˇ) Although the weather was chilly, I didn't wear my jacket.

(╳) Although the weather was chilly, but I didn't wear my jacket.

■Glossary

perceive (v) 視為

illustrator (n) 插畫家

peasant (n) 農民

shepherd (n) 牧羊人

[Smarties' Power English 第259期]