Costume historian Margo Shott agrees. Shott, who will be giving a lecture on the exhibition, says the thing that has struck her most, as she has done research, is how important hats have always been. "It's amazing how many things repeat over the centuries, how periods have been defined by the hats that were worn, how important hats have been in political and social interaction."

Another special event held in connection with the exhibit will be the showing of the movie "My Fair Lady," which is known for its elaborate hat costumes.

Even if we don't wear hats like that anymore, references to hats have become a part of our everyday language, says Brown. We talk of "a feather in one's cap," "throwing your hat into the ring," "a bee in one's bonnet" and of "passing the hat." Use those phrases, and others like them, and pretty much everyone will know what you are talking about.

She hopes the exhibit will give people a fun way to look at history, at fashion, at decorative arts. But she also hopes "it will evoke a sense of how alike we humans are."

If you go

What: "Head Trip: Around The World in Forty Hats"

Where: Utah Museum of Fine Arts, University of Utah

When: Through Aug. 12

Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.;

Wednesday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.;

Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Monday, closed

How much: $5, adults; $3 seniors and youth

Phone: 581-7332

Web: www.umfa.utah.edu

Also: Film "My Fair Lady," May 5, 2 p.m., Dumke Auditorium, free

Lecture, May 6, 2 p.m., Dumke Auditorium, free

---

E-mail: carma@desnews.com