Hat
c. 1908
Black horsehair, black and red velvet, black satin, and red silk
Museum purchase
Object numberP83.19.13
Hats assumed extreme proportions during the early twentieth century, often reaching up to two feet wide. Their size contrasted with the fashion for comparatively slender dresses. Known as “picture hats,” they were perched on voluminous hairstyles and appeared as though they were floating on women’s heads.
DescriptionHat with black horsehair strips sewn in circular rows, large flat oversize crown, wide wired brim of shirred sheer and horsehair, black velvet, black satin ribbon around crown, forming bow at center back with dark red silk and velvet roses and leaves at top Note: cf. Costume Through the Ages, Laver, p. 119.Collections
Exhibitions