Are hats making a comeback? Let's explore the history of hats.
Throughout history, ladies' hats have played a significant role in fashion and societal norms. Dating back to the Middle Ages, women adorned their heads with veils, hoods, and wimples as a sign of modesty and social status. The Renaissance period brought about more elaborate headwear, with decorative caps and turbans becoming fashionable among the European nobility.
By the 18th century, women's hats evolved into extravagant pieces adorned with feathers, ribbons, and even taxidermy birds. This era also saw the introduction of wide-brimmed hats that were adorned with lavish trimmings to signify wealth and status.
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, hats became even more elaborate, with the invention of the sewing machine enabling mass production and making hats more accessible to women of various social classes. The late 19th century saw the popularity of large, elaborate hats decorated with flowers, ribbons, and even whole taxidermy animals.
The early 20th century was considered the golden age of hats, with iconic styles such as the cloche, picture hat, and fascinator gaining popularity. Designers like Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli revolutionized hat fashion by introducing simpler, more streamlined designs that reflected the changing roles of women in society.
After World War II, hats began to decline in popularity as hairstyles became more prominent. However, hats continued to be worn for special occasions such as weddings, horse races, and formal events.
Today, hats are making a comeback as a fashionable accessory, with modern milliners creating innovative designs that blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary styles. From wide-brimmed sun hats to chic fedoras, ladies' hats continue to be a versatile and timeless fashion statement.
FASHION HISTORY: Two-Tone Objects of Desire - Chanel Shoes
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In 1957 Gabrielle Chanel introduced a style of the shoe called the “Two-tone”. Chanel called it the “The Height of Elegance.” Little did Gabrielle know that this shoe would still be at the top of its game in 21st century. The press instantly named it “The New Cinderella Shoe”. Catherine Deneuve, Romy Schneider, Bridgitte Bardot were among the first ones to wear it.
So what was the idea behind two tone?
While the nude elongates the leg, the black shortens the foot. It can well be transformed from day to night and naturally got the name of a “must-have” shoe.
Gabrielle famously said,
‘We leave in the morning with a beige and black, we lunch with beige and black, we go to a cocktail party with beige and black,’We are dressed from morning to night!’
63 years later Virginie Viard pays homage to the shoe in Spring Summer 2020 Collection.
