Top 7 Most Expensive Hats In The World

Hats have long been a symbol of luxury, status, and fashion. From classic designs to exclusive collaborations, these headpieces are crafted using high-quality materials, and meticulous craftsmanship, and often bear the signature of prestigious fashion houses.

While some may argue that a hat is a mere accessory, certain ones can fetch exorbitant prices and become coveted items among the fashion elite. When a famous celebrity or public figure is associated with a particular hat, its value can skyrocket.
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Whether it's a famous movie character's signature hat or a headpiece worn by a celebrity at a high-profile event, the item gains cultural significance and becomes a collector's dream. Here we would like to share with you the top 7 most expensive hats in the world worn by some of the most popular celebrities out there.

7. Napoleon Bonaparte's Simple Bicorne ($243,141)

Credit: Barnebys

Napoleon Bonaparte's simple bicorne hat is an iconic historical artifact that holds immense value in the world of historical memorabilia and military collectibles. This hat, worn by the French military and political leader, Napoleon Bonaparte, has become synonymous with his image and legacy.

The bicorne hat is so named because of its distinctive two-pointed design. It was a common military headgear during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Due to the historical importance of Napoleon Bonaparte, items associated with Napoleon, including his personal belongings, uniforms, and military accessories, have become highly sought-after collector's items.

In 2011, Napoleon Bonaparte's Simple Bicorne hat, in particular, was sold at a Bonhams auction for a whopping $243,141.

6. Babe Ruth’s “Bustin’ Babes” Hat ($350,000)

Credit: Lot-Art

The "Bustin' Babes" hat refers to a unique and highly sought-after piece of baseball memorabilia associated with the legendary player, Babe Ruth. The story behind the "Bustin' Babes" hat dates back to the 1920s when Babe Ruth was at the peak of his career playing for the New York Yankees.

Before the game, Babe Ruth made a friendly bet with the Lookouts' star player, a pitcher named Rube Benton. Ruth bet Benton that he would hit a home run during the game. In response, Benton jokingly wagered his hat, the "Bustin' Babes" hat, which had been specially designed and embroidered to represent his prowess on the field.

During the game, as the story goes, Babe Ruth fulfilled his prediction and hit a home run. True to the spirit of the bet, Rube Benton handed over his cherished "Bustin' Babes" hat to Ruth, commemorating the remarkable moment.

Having been in the possession and worn by Babe Ruth during the pinnacle of his career, this hat fetched a staggering $350,000 at an auction in 2021 making it the most expensive baseball hat in the world.

5. Lady Gaga’s “Joanne” Hat ($1 Million)

Credit: WWD

The expensive "Joanne" hat is a highly sought-after and iconic piece of headwear associated with the renowned singer and actress, Lady Gaga. The hat gained its significance and value from its connection to Lady Gaga's fifth studio album, titled "Joanne," which was released in 2016.

To accompany the album's release and its themes of family, love, and loss, Lady Gaga introduced a distinctive accessory into her wardrobe – the "Joanne" hat. The hat itself is a wide-brimmed, black fedora adorned with a thin, silver band and a delicate ribbon tied around it.
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Lady Gaga often wore this hat during promotional events, performances, and music videos related to the "Joanne" album, further cementing its association with this significant phase in her career.

With the hat itself being covered in more than 45,000 crystals, you can expect the price of the "Joanne" hat to reach a substantial value in the future.

4.  Andy Warhol’s Money Hat (~$1.2 Million)

Credit: Invaluable

The expensive "Andy Warhol's Money Hat" refers to a unique and highly valued piece of art and fashion that was associated with the iconic American artist, Andy Warhol. Known for his revolutionary approach to art, Warhol was a leading figure in the Pop Art movement of the 1960s, and his works have become some of the most sought-after and expensive pieces in the art world.

The "Money Hat" is a prime example of Warhol's ability to blend art and everyday objects, blurring the lines between high and low culture. The hat itself is a black, wide-brimmed fedora adorned with meticulously hand-painted $10 dollar bills in bright, vibrant colors. 

Warhol created this wearable work of art in the mid-1980s, towards the later stages of his illustrious career. In an auction, the hat was valued at approximately $1.2 million but it seems we had to wait for the right buyer willing to pay such a price.

3. À La Française Hat ($1.43 Million)

Credit: Sotheby's

The "À La Française Hat" is a luxurious and highly coveted headwear piece that embodies the essence of French elegance and haute couture. The term "À La Française" translates to "in the French style," and this hat perfectly encapsulates the timeless allure and sophistication often attributed to French fashion. 

The design of the hat draws inspiration from classic French millinery techniques, dating back to the 19th and early 20th centuries when hats were an integral part of women's fashion.

Crafted by master milliners with a deep understanding of traditional French hat-making techniques, the "À La Française Hat" is known for its exquisite materials, such as fine silk, luxurious velvets, or sumptuous cashmere.

With that being said, the hat was successfully sold in a Sotheby's auction in 2021 for the price tag of $1.43 million making it the second most expensive hat ever sold.

2. Napoleon’s Bicorn Hat ($2.4 Million)

Credit: Napoleon

Unlike the previous simple Napoleon's hat, this one had a more significant value with it being the most expensive hat ever sold for a hefty $2.4 million in 2014. The hat itself is typically made of black felt or beaver fur and features two pointed brims that curve upwards, creating a unique and instantly recognizable silhouette.
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Moreover, historical significance is further attributed to the belief that Napoleon wore this hat during the Battle of Marengo. Throughout his reign as Emperor of France, it was believed that Napoleon possessed and wore over 100 bicorne hats, yet fewer than 20 of them have endured the test of time.

To this day, it is known that only 2 pieces of this hat are in existence making it one of the rarest hats out there.

1. Chapeau d’Amour ($2.7 Million)

Another hat made in the million dollar list will be Chapeau d'Amour and it is thought to be the most expensive hat in the world being valued at roughly $2.7 million. Its name, "Chapeau d'Amour," translates to "Hat of Love" in French, which perfectly reflects its association with the allure of passion and elegance.

Crafted by renowned haute couture designer, Louis Mariette, the "Chapeau d'Amour" is a masterpiece of artistry and craftsmanship. The hat has a boot-like appearance with sharp angles that gradually soften towards a small, top-hat-like upper piece. 

However, the main part that sits on the wearer's head is overshadowed by the striking accents, which consist of metal-wrapped branches and tail-like appendages that form a whip-like structure.

As there are various sparkling gemstones on the hat, it would clearly explain such a huge price tag.

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