Toque

Madame Alphonsine|Alphonsine et Cie

ca. 1910 · silk, linen, feather, synthetic, rhinestones · Costume Institute

Made by one of the leading millinery establishments in Paris, this majestic hat exemplifies the finest materials and craftsmanship then available. Lace was an important material used in all forms of women's clothing of the time; here the handmade floral bobbin lace strips are employed in a very liberal and luxurious way. The lace is beautifully balanced by the black velvet facing and trim at the back. The single oversized ornament is typical of period, and together with the velvet contrasts and relieves the busy texture of the lace. Jutting, upright feather plumes, quills and novelties were an important feature throughout the 1910s. Amelia Beard Hollenback (1844-1918) was the third wife of prominent Brooklyn financier and philanthropist John Welles Hollenback (1835-1927) who made his fortune transporting anthracite from Pennsylvania to be used in the building of railroads. The donation of nearly 150 garments by her daughter, also Amelia Beard Hollenback (1877-1969), was accompanied with detailed notes about which family member wore it and to what occasion, providing a fascinating glimpse at an upper middle class Victorian family's wardrobe requirements and shopping venues.

Artist

Madame Alphonsine|Alphonsine et Cie

Date

ca. 1910

Medium

silk, linen, feather, synthetic, rhinestones

Culture

French

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Amelia Beard Hollenback, 1966