Mary Krebs Smyth
"Ceremonial Hat for the
Grand Poobah"
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| (Photos by Patrick Fraser) |
I had been imagining at hat made from my collection of vintage shoulder pads for some time.
The title I had planned was “Head and Shoulders Above the Rest:” and there was to be a little figure on the top. However, as the process took over and the piece began to speak for itself, it developed into this turban created from the shoulder pads, foam, buttons, sequins, fabric, feathers, and beads, befitting a “Grand Poobah” or “Lord High Everything Else” who does of course consider himself “head and shoulders above the rest.” The term first originated in Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Mikado” in 1888 and has stayed in the vernacular with the additional connotation of someone of importance or one who thinks very highly of himself.
If you wish the blessing of the Grand Poobah, please stop, smile, bow with your hands clasped together and request your fondest frivolous wish!
Ah well, in this often all too serious world we all need some laughter. Remember the Grand Poobah’s wise message, “Find some fun in each day. Share a silliness, a song, a smile, with a fellow member of the human race and your reward will be great!” I and the Poobah guarantee!
With a wish for joy to all, Mary Krebs Smyth