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A woolly bobble hat? And it's oozing with street cred? Ruth Picardie tries it for size

This bobble hat may look as if it was knitted by Michael Foot's mother to keep him warm on a CND march, but it is actually extremely desirable.

First of all, it was made by Antoni & Alison, the furiously trendy British design duo who, 10 years ago, invented the shiny T-shirt slogans such as "Be Happy", "Love It" and "Miracles are happening". They were so successful that everyone started copying them, including Giorgio Armani, whom A&A sued and reached an out-of-court settlement with for allegedly ripping off their "I feel amazing, fantastic, incredible, brilliant, fabulous, great" T-shirt.

Now, A&A have launched a complete womenswear line, ranging from long, crepe evening dresses to this hat, which is made from mohair and comes in purple, pink or racing green (which A&A call lilac, pink or turquoise), with a variety of clashing bobbles.

To avoid being mistaken for an ageing Labour politician the A&A bobble hat (which "stands up" on your head - not a look for the faint-hearted - must be worn with a lot of "attitude".

To begin with, put on some lipstick and your best black pea-coat and stride around Soho (or other high-fashion zones) where everyone else is wearing weird but groovy hats.

Having acquired the confidence of glamour, you can now wear your hat round Sainsbury's together with glasses and a duffle-coat, as I did on Saturday.

Don't lose confidence when you see a little old lady in a knitted tea cosy collecting for Guide Dogs outside: your hat is made by Antoni & Alison. Plus it's jolly useful for keeping warm in the freezer departmentn

Vacuum-packed bobble hat, pounds 33, available by mail order from Antoni & Alison (0171-275 7033)

Photograph:

Tony Buckingham