Silk Hat Collection
In the early 1900s, a woman in a black satin sheath dress and a black silk hat was the epitome of elegance and sophistication
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In the early 1900s, a woman in a black satin sheath dress and a black silk hat was the epitome of elegance and sophistication. This stencil image from 1912 captures her timeless style, surrounded by a sea of top hats, bowler hats, and furled umbrellas. But this fashion statement didn't start in the 20th century. In fact, as far back as 1878, an oarsman could be seen rowing down the river wearing a top hat. And even poets like Vasili Kamensky embraced this trend with his portrait in a top hat by artist Eduard Gustavovich Shiman. The allure of these headpieces extended beyond just men; women also donned top hats to make their mark on society. Artists like Boris Dmitryevich Grigoriev immortalized ladies in top hats through their captivating portraits. Even renowned painter Edouard Manet couldn't resist incorporating these fashionable accessories into his works. From depicting horsewomen sporting full-face top hats to capturing intriguing characters like "The Absinthe Drinker, " Manet's art showcased the diverse influence of this iconic headwear. Whether it was at the stock exchange or inside an artist's studio after 1852, the presence of silk hats added an air of refinement and status to any scene they graced. Monsieur Brun himself posed for Manet wearing one such hat in his striking portrait from 1879. From high society gatherings to everyday life on bustling streets, silk hats were more than just fashion statements - they represented an era defined by elegance and class.