Hat

Art Historical Context

Step into the elegant world of late 19th-century American fashion with this charming straw hat, crafted around 1885 by an unknown. Housed in the Museum of Art's Costume Institute, this piece exemplifies the everyday elegance of the Gilded Age, a time when women's attire emphasized elaborate yet practical accessories. Acquired through the Irene Lewisohn Bequest 1973, it highlights the generosity of patrons who preserved fashion history for future generations. Made entirely of straw—a lightweight, breathable material ideal for summer wear—this hat showcases the skilled weaving techniques popula...