5 superb Sydney Opera House hats

Half a century ago, Jørn Utzon had a vision. Of glossy white sails protruding from Bennelong Point. Of an immensely complex design made up of glorious stratified shells. Of an expressionist icon that would define a city.

But what Utzon was really envisioning was a bloody great hat.

While times are tough here in Australia, it’s important we keep level heads. And what better way to do that than with these five spectacular, impractical hats.

You’ve gotta tip your hat to this physics-defying headpiece, sported by Dame Edna for a day at Ascot races in 1978. It defined the fashion of the time: big buildings on your noggin.

This little number was put together by costume designer Robert Blackman for Star Trek: Deep Space Nine character Winn Adami. Doesn’t it just scream ‘I’m wearing a globally renowned performing arts venue on my head’?

Blackman said of the headpiece, "I didn't sit down and say, 'Oh, the Sydney Opera House – let's make a hat out of it!'". And yet, Rob, you've done just that. You'll be hearing from our lawyers.

It's no coincidence the Opera House is nicknamed 'Nuns in a Scrum'. Little known fact about beloved ridiculous TV show The Flying Nun: see that hat? You guessed it. Opera House. Don't fact check this.

The Opera House’s first real foray into high fashion. We in the business call this the ‘spherical solution’ – a term coined by Jørn Utzon referring to the mechanism by which a headpiece protects its wearer from the biggest sphere of them all: the sun.

Forget hats, this is the whole enchilada. Take note, above entries. This is the level of commitment expected when you dress up as the Opera House. 

The hand gestures indicate that this particular Opera House has detached itself from Circular Quay and set sail into the harbour. Full method acting - 10/10.