CLOWNS HAVE MORE FUN: THE CLOWN-CORE HAT AS A STATEMENT
words by TIANA DE HASETH
We are all familiar with clowns. Whether we encountered them at birthday parties, in circus rings or horror movies, they always carried a duality of being playful, yet unsettling and childish, yet theatrical. With balloon trousers, ruffled collars, polka dots, colour blocking, and silly hats, the clowns have been a muse for fashion for a long time. That influence has traveled from the circus to pop culture, and found its way to the runway. Since then, the clown aesthetic has been a recurrent theme on the runway and judging by fashion’s current hat trends, it is on the not disappearing anytime soon.
Elsa Schiaparelli first introduced the circus imagery to high fashion in 1938 with her "Circus" collection in Paris, turning the sophisticated into something playful. Decades later, Alexander McQueen brought the dark side of the clown onto the runway with his Autumn/Winter 2001 collection "What a Merry-Go-Round", making a major influence on dark fashion.
image via PINTEREST
image courtesy of ALEXANDER MQUEEN
Since then (just to name a few) designers such as, Christian Dior, Miu Miu, Vivienne Westwood, Moschino, Valentino, John Galliano and Dilara Findikoglu all sought inspiration from the theatricality of the circus. Sometimes the references are straight forward, and other times, they are hidden in silhouettes and frisky headwear accessories.
Pillbox hats, bowlers and oversized, sculptural headwear have all been a part of a fashion trend that was surely felt during the Copenhagen fashion week. By combining statement hats with large Celine sunglasses, the fashion week guest have been the keeping the trend alive, especially in Scandinavian fashion.
image via INSTAGRAM
When it comes to the conversation of crazy, funky, junky hats, artist Chappell Roan has been rotating statement hats during performance and appearances, that are heavily inspired by the circus, theatre, camp and drag fashion. In combination with her white base makeup, and statement hat, Roan has further pushed to clown-core trend, becoming the leading modern icon of the aesthetic.
image via INSTAGRAM
Designer Robert Wun too, went clown-core extravagant with his Fall 2026 couture collection called Child’s Play, bringing clown and fairytale theatrics to the runway. The collection consisted several statement hats, oversized silhouettes, giant balloon and plushie inspired elements. Delivering the childlike feeling in the most flamboyant way.
image courtesy by ROBERT WUN
Another brand that has been exploring circus-inspired fashion is Madomorpho. Founded in Amsterdam and now based in Berlin, Madomorpho is known for their theatrical, circus, camp and cabaret inspired looks. Since then their looks have been styled on Julia Fox, Rihanna, Doja Cat and Lady Gaga. But it’s not just their clothing that makes them special. Their statement hats range from flapper hats, bonnet hat, crew hat and feather pieces. These accessories are what adds drama to the theatrical and clown-core designs, helping to create a sense of fantasy and performance that feels close to a playful childhood.
image courtesy by MADOMORPHO
This is now how clown-core lives in a fashion industry that worships minimalism, and quiet luxury. Clown-core offers the exact opposite. It is loud. It is colourful. Most importantly, it refuses to take itself too seriously — like a rebellion towards minimalism. It challenges fashion’s obsession with perfection and reminds us to play.
There is something quite liberating about dressing as though you are allowed to have fun. To wear a ridiculous hats simply because you like it. This is what makes statement hats not just another trend, but also a reminder that fashion can be playful and humorous. It’s what allows us to reconnect with our inner child that dressed because it was fun. So as long as the statement hat stays trendy, those who embrace the clown-core perhaps will always be having more fun.
