Saddle up and get ready to ride into LA: John Wayne memorabilia is set to be auctioned off October 6-7 by Heritage Auctions. Among the items to be auctioned? The hat shown at left. That’s right, you could own The Duke’s hat.

Let’s say you won this auction: what do you do with this hat? Do you put it in a display case, build a special climate-controlled room, and not allow visitors to get to close to it? Or do you put it on, hop on a horse, and live out all of your childhood fantasies? (Personally, if you’re ready to drop $25K on a hat, I know a guy who would be more than happy to provide you with a legendary hat of your very own.)

You can the AP story and see some more images of the items to be auctioned at NPR.org, or start placing bids online at Heritage Auctions’ site.

London-based designer Ashish showcased Panama hats as part of his Spring 2012 collection during his runway show earlier this week. His collection makes liberal (I would say excessive) use of flower motifs and bright colors. You can read the full story and see pictures at the Daily Mail.

Personally, I’m not a fan. I’ve always been a believer in less is more, and the way these designs clash just doesn’t work for me. I’m also not in love with the boots and the makeup. The Panamas are surprisingly nice, though — normally designers feature low-quality knockoffs, while these look like they might actually be from Ecuador.

How are you celebrating?

Perhaps a different hat for every day? Treating yourself to a new Brent Black Panama hat? Telling everyone you meet how much you love hats? Changing your name to Hat Enthusiast?

Okay, that would be a little extreme.

Happy hat month!