The stitching patterns used to create the Bowler Hat

resembles several of the different arena’s used during

the Olympic Games . The Veladrome(left) is an arena for

track cycling, which consists of two 180-degree circular

bends connected by two straights. The straights transition

into the circular turn through a moderate easement bend,

this creates an elegent curve which has been considered

when creating the Alitus Billy Cock. The more important

cycling events are usually held on tracks which have

lines laid out in a specified arrangement which helped the

tailors when creating the stitching patterns on the cloth.

Velodrome

Saville Row is a small community that has been making

traditional English cloth from as early as the 1800’s.

Since then, Saville Row has continued to make high class

garments for gentlemen accross the UK, although in the

last few years many tailors have left the Row leaving just

19 cloth designers to carry out the great british tradition.

Understanding the importance of London 2012, the leading

tailors of the Row have worked together to create one of

their most bespoke items of clothing, the Billy Cock.

The Bespoken

The Track & Field event consists of multiple disciplines

from running to throwing. The ‘track’ is two 180 degree

curves met together using straights, with a circumference

of 400m which is mainly used for running events from

the 100m sprint to the 1500m. The turf markings (white),

break the track up into individual sections making it a fair

race when traveling the circuit. The over head view of the

track makes the precise cuttings for the peak, and using

these markings, the tailors have created the stylish shape.

Track & Field

The ‘Gameskeepers’ were the innovators behind the

Bowler Hat when they commissioned the hatters,

Thomas and William Bowler, to create an alturnative

headgear to the Top Hat. The Top Hats were worn to

protect the keepers heads from low-hanging branches

while on horseback, however they were easily knocked

off or damaged. When the hat was made the Keeper first

inline was William Coke who proceeded to place the hat

on the floor and stamp on it twice. Holding strong,

he bought the first Bowler ever made for 12 shillings,

naming the hat, ‘The Coke’. As years went on, the hat

became known as the “Billy Coke” or “Billycock”

Game Keeping

1908 Olympics London where Dorando Pietri,

comes 1st in the marathon but disqualified for

being assited accross the finish line.

The Alitus Billy Cock hat would be primarily used for Gamekeepers who

would ride horseback all over the British Isles in the 1800’s. This verison of

the bowler is a little stiffer than most and in true Saville Row style, is made to

meet with gold medal standards. The 100% wool felt quality is impressive and

the hat comes fully lined with the Altius logo embroided in the silk interior.

The hat is trimmed with a black grosgrain ribbon with a bow finish and the

hat’s circuits are inbound in grosgrain. There is no competition for headwear

this summer.