Hats, Now and Then
Hello darlings. I love hats!!!!
Hats have been a crowning glory for women through out history. In fact one may date history by simply looking at the style of hats.
Headwear for women began in earnest during the Middle Ages when the church decreed that their hair had to be covered. Wonder why…?
During the 18th century milliners took hat-making out of the home and established the millinery profession.
The term milliner comes from the Italian city of Milan, when in the 1700’s the finest straw hats were braided and the best hat form were made.
By 1830 bonnets grew to huge fashion proportions. A large brim framed the wearer’s face from the front but hid her profile from the side.
A veil protected her identity mad delicate skin from sun rays.
In the late 1850’s the “ wide awake” was introduced. It was a revival of the 18th century shepherdess hat, sporting a broad brim and shallow crown. Just think of the Scarlett O’Hara look. Which is my favorite!
The smaller ‘Fanchon’ was popular in 1865 and little more than a triangular shaped piece of straw or silk. Often with wide ribbons that framed the wearer’s chin.
‘Little Doll’ hats appeared at the end of the decade. These hats were decorated with cockades of feathers and even artist birds covering one whole side of the hat.
They were worn perched at the front and over an enormous hairstyle. I have always found these hats to be amusing and interesting according to the bird or birds chosen for the most splendid decoration.
1908 brought a slim silhouette…by 1911, hats were at their largest, the brims extending beyond the breath of the of the wearer’s shoulders. 18 inch hat pins were worn to attach secure these huge creation to the hair.
The Cloche style was between 1920 and 1940. 1945, brought into style the V turban…the V being for American Victory. 1950’s and 60’s hats were smaller and close to the head.
As time went into the 70’s , the church became more lenient toward the rule of women wearing hats and has followed a trend of wearing a hat to be very special.
Hats, hats, hats, I love hats and would wear one everyday if possible. My love for hats began in my Grandmother’s attic at about 2 or 3 years old, I would entertain myself for hours trying on old hats from ages past.
Some of my fondest memories are based around events that required a beautiful hat…the yellow silk turban with silk pressed daffodils framing the face, for my former husband’s graduation from Medical School, the white mink hat I wore to my daughter‘s Christening, a Jackie Kennedy pillbox style. The huge designer hats I wore to special polo events, a 1911 huge hat that was pinned to my hair with 18 inch hat pins, I wore with a beautiful slim long skirt with a train, lace sleeves and high neck lace bodice.—Think , My Fair Lady!!
Many, many more , but I shall report on the current trends for Spring/Summer 2013 next week. Have a marvelous week , darlings.
