Classic French Vintage Hats.

HATS – A Vintage Archive collection

This HATS reference page is mainly from various decades in the 19th & 20th century. A hat designers inspiration for the next century may come from looking into the past. I could imagine wearing any of these rare creations to brighten up the times! Latest NEW Hat views see bottom of the page 21.3.2013

1879

In the time of King Louis XIV of France, The earliest Milliners with businesses were allowed to create as their artistic inspiration decreed. They also trimmed the dresses delivered by the dressmaker, designed matching headgear, caps, fichus, mantillas and delicate lace rushes. They were the artists who gave the dresses the correct tone with its finishing touches, the flash of wit and it’s fascinating grace.

Rose Bertin Jacques Doucet’s Art Library Foundation preserved the letters and account books of the famous Milliner Rose Bertin. Her biography was recorded in The French Encyclopedia. She was the first prolific lady becoming dressmaker and Milliner to Marie Antoinette. She opened her own shop in Paris in 1773.

1830 – Speeding up construction of Hats and garments for the female workers began with the other Fashion Revolution in 1830, with the invention of the Sewing Machine by Thimonnier. (Although much work was still continued using the needle and thread by hand). This man was so poor he arrived from the Rhone Valley, walking to Paris carrying the parts of his machine in a sack! During his life he received no profit or fame from his invention. Soon it had spread to the capitals of the world taking off in the workshops in Paris.

1895

1897'

Wow! Wait till you see whats next?

Edition Speciale Des Marchandes de Modes - Paris

This hat model was one produced by the Milliners corporation – Des Marchandes de Modes and was shown in the Journal Le Printemps. The address given on the print is: 5 Rue des Filles St.Thomas, Paris. Also this print was an edition in the 19th year of it commencing (1869). The matching print below is also part of the same print.. (See my blog on history of the female fashion trade in Europe).

Hat study black rushed with satin bow,

Shape of rare design

Les Sables D’Olonne is a town situated on the west coast opposite the Bay of Biscay in Southern Brittany. A traditional regional Hat and costume, using white starched cotton and lace. This black and white photograph was a Post Card sent to a lady in Paris.

Three beautiful heads

A Hat fashion plate from La Modiste Parisienne, 3 Rue du 4 Septembre, Paris. A fine art printer – Imp. V. Courmont, Paris. Exceptional portraits and colour density give this a feel of great art.

Sweet roses!

A double hat plate from Societe Des Journaux de Modes Reunis. Abel Goubard Administrateur – 3 rue du Quatre Septembre, Paris.

Spring Lilac hat

Journal Des Demoiselles

1st September, 1910 – The Director of the Journal was Alain Thery, the address was, 32 Rue St Georges, Paris. Adverising Parfumerie – HOUBIGANT, 19 Fauby St. Honore. Hats for the new winter season.

More modern images, but still vintage!