IS - Sunday, Auguste 16, 1987 North Shore News Fashion photo submitted MODELLED IS Akubra’s Aussie Gold, which retails for approximately $100. The Akubra has been an Australian institution for over a century. HISTORICAL AKUBRA Aussie hat seen. with the best IF JT’S true that you’re known by the company you keep, then Australia’s Akubra hats are very well known indeed. While it’s been said that the only thing that’s more Australian than an Akubra is an [8-gallon keg, such high profile celebrities as Prince Charles, Linda Evans, Ronald and Nancy Reagan, Greg Norman and Paul Hogan have been seen sporting an Akubra. As THE authentic Australian hat, Akubra hats offer the wearer both form and function in an im- pressive array of hats for both men and women. The Akubra hat is THE choice of Australians who have been wearing Akubras for generations. While becoming known worldwide, the majority of Akubras are bought and worn in Australia, by Australians. While it is not known exactly when the first Akubra hat was made, it was sometime in the 1800's. The name Akubra was officially registered in 1912. Aboriginal in origin, Akubra is a Pitjanjatjarra word meaning ‘headgear’. Owned and operated by the Keir family, Akubra is headquartered in Kempsey, NSW, Australia. Today, a workforce numbering 115 turns out some 6,000 hats a week for an annual total of over 300,000 hats which are sold worldwide. Of this total, less than 10 per cent of Akubra hats are ex- ported. Utilizing the fur of eight to 12 wild rabbits, each hat is handled up to 300 times during processing, making the Akubra in essence a handmade hat. Once rabbit pelts are sorted and classified, the fur is extracted and drawn over hat molds by air pressure into a cone shape. Various frictional and washing processes shrink the hat to its re- quired size. This treatment is repeated some 150 times before hats are dyed and further treated prior to the brim and crown being pressed into shape and the addition of soft sheep skin sweatbands, colorful siik linings and hatbands. Each hat takes approximately 6 weeks to complete. Changing the look of an Akubra har te ne cimmla ac nchanainn the headband, from woven leather In Canada, Akubra hats are bands to metallic bands, simulated distributed by Koolah Products croc teeth, even a colorful scarf. from Australia. Joan Johnson School of Floral Design Bonded, registered trade school of B.C. Flowers mean jobs and income Presented by Joan Johnson, offering you fifteen years of teaching experience and twenty-five years in the retail flora! business. A professional in-depth course contalning all phases of floral design ¢ Corsages * Arrangements * Wedding Designs* Funeral Designs * Tax-deductitle © Visa and Mastercard accepted REGISTER NOW! ¢ Class commences September 1 For registration and information call collect — Ask for Barbara © Surrey © Bumaby S8A-ASAS Dell St Oc View Dean’s Flowers cone Towt Our Sizzling NDSEETERS 10 wear Anmversary Celebration ‘‘Summer Festival” August 30th ll am- 4 pm © Door Paees eRefreshments * Har & Fashion Presentatians © Proceeds to Lions Club Waterfront Park Lonsdale Quay Trendsetters N.V, location only 1586. 2nd Ave NV 985-1512 Childhood, the most important time to learn music. If she reaches the Concert Stage, the whole world will thank you. Even if she doesn't, She'll thank you all the rest of her life. GIVE THE GIFT OF MUSIC — TODAY! Great teachers and a stimulating program combine to give your child the best possible start in music. dunior Music Course - 4 to 5 year olds Piano Club Course & ~ 6 year olds & up Electronic Keyboard and Organ Course TOM LEE YAMAHA MUSIC SCHOOLS Vancouver - Richmond ~ Surrey - Coquitlam - N. Van. Guarantee your class time now! 732-7648 Summer Sale is here again in West Vancouver! 50% off all sale items. Featuring top quality designs from Mondi, Mr. Jax, Steilmann, Freego, Karen Perry and selected styles by Margareta. Open Everyday Mon.-Sat. 9-9, Sunday 4401 Bellevue Ave., West Vancouver 14-7 926-2113