Pharrell Williams crowned ‘Hat Person of the Year’ for 2014
The hat Pharrell Williams wore to the Grammy Awards is the gift that keeps on giving, earning the rapper, music producer and fashion plate bragging rights as “Hat Person of the Year,†the Headwear Assn. announced Wednesday.
The handmade brown felt Vivienne Westwood hat with a wide brim and high, battered crown was already the standout accessory of the night, spawning a parody account (@PharrellHat) and a slew of social media comparisons to Smokey Bear and Curious George’s “Man in the Yellow Hat.â€
And now, according to the Headwear Assn., a 106-year-old industry trade group for the headgear business, a recently conducted online poll has recognized Pharrell’s longtime penchant for stylish lids (Panama hats, driving caps, fedoras, you name it), earning him the most votes in a “Hat Person of the Year†poll.
PHOTOS: The many hats of Pharrell Williams
The news release announcing the results characterized this as “the closest year of voting ever,†with Williams receiving 25% of the votes and Justin Timberlake and Bruno Mars tied barely a stingy brim’s distance behind at 24% each. Additional votes were cast for Anne Hathaway (who earned 11% of the vote), Beyoncé (8%), Salma Hayak (5%) and “Today†show weatherman Al Roker with 3% of the votes.
Pharrell is the fifth person to be crowned as the Headwear Assn.’s “Hat Person of the Year.†Previous honorees include Kate Moss (the 2013 honoree), Kate Middleton (2012), Johnny Depp (2011) and Brad Pitt (2010).
Williams will be honored at the H.A.’s annual gala, scheduled to take place April 24, 2014, at the Central Park Boathouse.
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