# Chic Mammal Headwear (UPDATE) Barbara Keal 'Felt Hats' Makes the Primitive Sexy By Erin Kirkpatrick | Published 2012-05-23 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-barbara-keal-felt-hats References: [trendland](http://trendland.com/barbara-keals-animal-felt-hats/) & [kealwork](http://www.kealwork.co.uk/) The Barbara Keal Felt Hats collection infuses nature and high fashion together to form an intriguing combination. Her pieces are created using wool and a variety of other odds and ends to transform individuals into numerous creatures, be them real or fictitious. A large portion of materials that Keal uses are what many would label "un-valued local materials" such as [Alpaca neck and leg fleece](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/boucl-alpaca-dropped-shoulder-aviator-jacket) and damaged wool. The artist gets a thrill and prides herself and her work on being able to integrate otherwise useless materials into these enchanting [wearable works](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/assemblage-7-lost-and-found-ii). For each hat approximately eight to ten different materials are used -- this is done so that a wide range of hues and textures can be achieved. The inspiration behind these wearable wonders sometimes come from specific images that Keal has researched, while other times her imagination calls the shots. Barbara Keal first debuted her collection of wilderness head wear in 2010. Since this time, her creations have gained substantial popularity and she continues to make hats for fashion shows, performers and films. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.9/10 - Popularity: 67% | Activity: 71% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/stylephotography) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Nature-inspired Fashion:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create sustainable and eco-friendly fashion items that incorporate natural materials. - **Transformative Wearable Art:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop customizable wearable art pieces that allow individuals to express their creativity and personal style. - **Upcycling and Material Transformation:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore new ways to repurpose and transform unused or damaged materials into unique and fashionable products. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fashion and Apparel:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Utilize advanced manufacturing techniques and sustainable practices to revolutionize the fashion industry. - **Art and Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Combine technology and traditional artistic techniques to create innovative wearable art pieces. - **Entertainment and Film Production:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Collaborate with costume designers and filmmakers to create unconventional and visually striking headwear for performances and films. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Wild Animal-Decorated Gowns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/schiaparelli-lion-head.md) - [Striking Artisan Cheese Hats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rinds-roses-collection.md) - [Unique Elevated Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/highdive.md) - [Premium Headwear Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pyper-malone.md) - [Avant-Garde Radish Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/radish-hat.md) - [Eco-Conscious Rain-Harvesting Headwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/daughters-of-rain.md) - [Cigarette Waste Hats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shearling-style-hat.md) - [Grass Root-Made Sculptural Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rootfull.md) - [Arty Knitwear Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arty-knitwear.md)