crowns portraits of black women in church hats
countless black women would rather attend church naked than hatless . for these women a church hat flamboyant as it may be is no mere fashion accessory ; its a cherished african american custom one observed with boundless passion by black women of various religious denominations . a womans hat speaks long before its wearer utters a word . its what deirdre guion calls hattitude ... theres a little more strut in your carriage when you wear a nice hat . theres something special about you . if a hat says a lot about a person it says even more about a people the customs they observe the symbols they prize and the fashions they fancy . br photographer michael cunningham beautifully captures the self expressions of women of all ages from young glamorous women to serene but stylish grandmothers . award winning journalist craig marberry provides an intimate look at the women and their lives . together theyve captured a captivating custom this wearing of church hats a peculiar convergence of faith and fashion that keeps the sabbath both holy and glamorous .
a series of fifty black and white photographs complemented by interviews with the subjects explores the role of the church hat as a reflection of both personal style and a cherished african american tradition .