Poke bonnet

Art Historical Context

Step into the elegant world of 19th-century fashion with this charming poke bonnet from the 1820s, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute. Poke bonnets, named for their protruding brim that "pokes" forward like a bird's beak, were a hallmark of women's headwear during the Regency era's transition to Victorian styles. Worn by American and European women alike, they framed the face delicately while providing shade, embodying ideals of modesty and refinement in an age when outdoor promenades were a social staple. Crafted from paper and silk, this bonnet showcases innovative...