Opera hat characteristic snapping sound heard upon opening a gibus suggested a third name, the "chapeau claque", "claque" being the French word for "slap". Opera hat An opera hat, also called a chapeau claque or gibus, is a top hat variant that is collapsible through a spring system, originally intended for less spacious venues, such as theatre and opera visits. Typically made of satin in black colour, its advantage is that it folds vertically through a push or a snap on the top of the hat, in order to be conveniently stored in a wardrobe or under the seat. Invertably, it opens
Top Hat, White Tie and Tails Top Hat, White Tie and Tails "Top Hat, White Tie and Tails" is a popular song written by Irving Berlin for the 1935 film "Top Hat", where it was introduced by Fred Astaire. The song title refers to the formal wear required on a party invitation: top hat, white tie, and a tailcoat. The popular Norwegian meteorologist Kristian Trægde sang the song (and step-danced to it) on the TV show "Skjemtegauken", in 1968. In 1977 ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev sang the song on "The Muppet Show", complete with tap dancing. In another episode, Gonzo tap danced to the song as