Chapeau Claque (hat)
The folding cylinder or chapeau claque (French chapeau = hat, claque = slap) (also folding cylinder ) is a classic cylindrical hat that can be folded up.
Basics
The Chapeau Claque is usually worn with a tailcoat or cutaway . The classic color of the hat is black, but there are also designs in other colors. The advantage of this cylinder is that it can be stored in a space-saving manner when it is no longer needed. In addition, when folded it can be stowed or transported with less risk for the sensitive satin skin.
Manufacturing
During production, a shellac plate is used for the brim , which is glued with satin on both sides . In a separate work step, the headboard is lined and also covered with satin. Then the brim and headboard are sewn together. The folding mechanism is implemented using a special wire frame that is incorporated into the headboard on each side of the Chapeau Claque. The frame is under tension. For example, when the brim of the hat is hit on the palm of the hand, the cylinder pops open automatically and completely. Covering with silk is often wrongly assumed, but this is not suitable for folding cylinders because of its sensitivity, satin is significantly more resistant to the effects of the weather and the folding mechanism.
Producers
Due to the low demand, the folding cylinder is only manufactured by a few companies worldwide today. One of them is the producer from Herbolzheim in southern Baden . He produces around 1500 pieces per year by hand; therefore this cylinder is correspondingly expensive at around 400 euros per copy.
use
You can usually still see the Chapeau Claque on stage in musical revues or at magic events . Nowadays it is also worn at weddings , funerals , organ barrel players , events of chimney sweep guilds and other special occasions.
swell
Taras Maygutiak: A Herbolzheim export hit made of velvet and silk. In: Breisgau Kurier , Week 6, February 7, 2013