Hat

Viv Knowland

ca. 1975 · wool, fur · Costume Institute

Though traditionally worn by women for horseback riding, the bowler form is a classic masculine style. The juxtaposition of the bowler with the more feminine turban creates an intriguing combination, typical of the masculine style adopted by women in the 1970s. The structural differences between these two styles also make this hat unique. The turban, a popular style at the time is classically soft and draped, while the bowler is a rigid, structured form. Combining these two disparate styles shows particular innovation and creativity by the designer.

Artist

Viv Knowland

Date

ca. 1975

Medium

wool, fur

Culture

British

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Lady Emilia Dreher Armstrong, 1991