The Red Hat Society is a fascinating American social phenomenon. A woman by the name of Sue Ellen Cooper had the inspiration to form the society in 1998. From her small chapter in Fullerton, she grew the RHS into a nationwide 'disorganization' with more than a million Red Hat members. She developed the name for the society from a poem by the well-known poet Jenny Joseph.

The point of the Red Hat Society is to celebrate aging gracefully. There are no rules, missions, or dues associated with the Red Hat Society. It is simply a social club open to any women who want to join. Women who attain the age of 50 may wear red hats and purple dresses. Women under the age of 50 may also join forces with the red hatters, but they are required to dress in pink hats. The leader of a given 'sub-sect' of the organization is called the Queen Mum. The silly, almost nihilistic requirements associated with membership are designed in part to poke fun at more exclusive clubs and in part to add a bit of frivolity to the aging process.

This is not to say that Red Hat Society members do nothing. Indeed, they throw wonderful tea parties and have fun excursions, and they often create valuable social networks and support systems for women who would otherwise lack them.

Thanks to its increasing visibility, the Red Hat Society has gained lots of national exposure. Already, you can find several books on the society, including a designer scrapbook. Other Red Hat Society products include home decor items, totebags, jewelry, clothing, and of course, a huge variety of deliciously red hats.