New Issue: Elvis Pompilio - Hats Off (Belgium)

Belgium has issued three new sets of stamps today and I may have a look at the others later this week, but I really wanted to review this really extraordinary miniature sheet! This issue celebrates Elvis Pompilio, who is a Belgian hat designer. Mr Pompilio is 65 years old this year and is world famous.

How do you begin to review a miniature sheet like this? It is so different to anything I've ever seen before. The sheet is in the shape of someone's head and shoulders (they are wearing a cap), the five stamps show Mr Pompilio and several of his hat designs, and then we have his autograph. It all comes together very well (a shame about the barcode, though). Design Quality - This sheet is wild in the best way. It is shaped like a head with tiny colourful hats everywhere, like they’re dancing all over the sheet. The portrait of Elvis Pompilio in the middle feels really classy, especially with the bowler hat, and it contrasts nicely with the super bright colours around it. The incredible hat designs on the stamps, plus his autograph at the bottom, make it feel personal and dramatic. Honestly, the whole thing just screams flamboyant and confident. However, I don't think the cap was the best choice of hat for the shape of the sheet, because... well, until you realise what is going on, the person looks a bit like a unicorn. The barcode really spoils the design too. 8/10

Theme and Subject Choice - This is all about celebrating a famous Belgian and what he’s good at, which is hat design. That’s pretty unusual because you don’t often see stamps about hats. Elvis Pompilio is very famous in Belgium and the fashion world so it makes sense that Belgium is so proud of him they want to celebrate his work on stamps. 8/10

Historical and Cultural Relevance - In Belgium, Elvis Pompilio isn’t just a designer – he’s kind of a cultural icon. He was even voted the 84th greatest Belgian of all time, which is impressive. This sheet shows how important he is to Belgian culture and creativity. 8/10

Innovation and Creativity - This is one of those stamp issues where I can;t really complain it isn't innovative or creative. It all feels new, bold and very expressive, a bit like Elvis Pompilio. It feels quite exciting, more like a piece of modern art. 9/10

Collectability - This could be quite collectable because it’s so different. Some collectors love things that stand out, and this definitely does. It also celebrates a real person rather than hat design generally. 6/10

Personal appeal - I've said some really positive things so you may be surprised to find out that it doesn't appeal to me all that much. Yes, it's a creative and bold design. It is one of the most imaginative stamp sets I have seen. Yes, it's a brilliant tribute to an outstanding hat designer. But do I like it? It's hard to say. I definitely admire it, but it's not really my thing and I don't think I will be paying £14.00 to buy it. 6/10    Overall score - 45/60