Top hat ribs and springs. His patent was described as: Some sources have taken this to describe an early folding top hat, although it is not explicitly stated whether Dollman's design was specifically for male or female headgear. Dollman's patent expired in 1825. In France, around 1840, Antoine Gibus's design for a spring-loaded collapsible top-hat proved so popular that hats made to it became known as "gibus". They were also often called "opera hats" due to the common practice of storing them in their flattened state under one's seat at the opera, though the term can also refer to any tall formal
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