Hat

Selbine

ca. 1938 · paper, synthetic, silk · Costume Institute

Diminutive hats, referred to as "doll hats," were in vogue during the late 1930s. They served as a cheerful and sometimes comical addition to an otherwise sedate or simple ensemble. The 1930s was a time of technological advancement and the use of synthetic materials made their way into everyday objects, including fashion. The lacquered appearance of this hat is created by the use of basket-woven, cellophane-covered paper, juxtaposed with a charming bouquet of artificial violets and black silk grosgrain ribbon. The flowers atop the crown appear to have just been gently placed there, giving the wearer an appearance of grace and balance as she walks. The materials in this example also exhibit a whimsical relationship between the femininity of the wearer and the sleek modernization of the period.

Artist

Selbine

Date

ca. 1938

Medium

paper, synthetic, silk

Culture

American

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Mrs. Myles Friedman, 1960