Not Just A Hat Rack - Holly

“You know those days when you get the mean reds?”

Free spirited Holly is introduced on her lonesome, exiting an unsophisticated New York cab, whilst dressed to the height of sophistication herself. Her choice of breakfast is equally unremarkable compared to her choice of venue: the 'look but don’t touch' high end displays of Tiffany & Co shop windows.

Over the course of the film, we learn that Holly really is a contradiction, a glamour puss living in a small, drab apartment, when it becomes apparent her haute couture lifestyle is financed by many men of greater wealth than she. Though she enjoys the finer things, she won’t compromise her way of living by being tied down.

When she meets neighbour Paul, it seems they aren’t so different, as he fills his days of unemployment and fuels his funds similarly to Holly, being a gigolo. However, unlike Holly, he remains committed to just one client. Perhaps this is an early indicator of his willingness and desire to belong solely to Holly eventually, whilst she struggles to allow herself to trust a man and settle down.

The Hat:

Holly sure likes hats, but it is the first hat she adorns in the film that trumps the rest. It is large and no doubt expensive, something you might wear to the races.

At this point though, having only just met Paul she also meets his client ‘2E’, a counterpart/rival of sorts who herself accessorises with a hat. Hers, though a smart and formal turban/fez hybrid type ain’t got nothin’ on Holly’s, being less sophisticated and fancy. It seems she does know how to dress for an occasion though, whereas Holly has dressed up swiftly to perfection for her weekly visit to her inmate client at Sing Sing prison.

Not Just A Hat Rack - Holly reel on Instagram