Although the Top Hat had been used in the 1700’s, it wasn’t until the 1800’s that it became popular and part of normal culture. When it DID become part of the ordinary, everyday life, the Top Hat was a status symbol. It was where the crossroads of class and style met. Only the upper and middle class wore them. Of course, nobody wore it better than President Abraham Lincoln. He was so known for his hat, that he turned it into an icon. When the 1900’s came around, popularity began to decline. Regardless, the Top Hat refused to be killed. It stood tall! In 1935, dancer Fred Astaire wore his in the movie Top Hat, which became his most popular dance scene. By the 1980’s, the Top Hat had just about been killed off. It had not been seen by in pop culture for decades. Then in 1987, hard rock guitarist Slash, from the band Guns N’ Roses, attached some buckles to a Top Hat and became known for wearing it. Brendon Urie from the pop group Panic! at the Disco has frequently worn his Top Hat in videos and on stage proving that it is still alive and well!