Ghosts of Fashion Past: Cloche Hats

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It’s Friday, which means it’s time for another history of costume lesson. Looking back to the speakeasy era of U.S. prohibition, depriving people of alcohol inspired really cool fashions and devious behavior. One of my favorite accessories of the flapper age is the oh-so-stylish cloche hat. But this iconic piece was popular well before the 1920s; the helmet-shaped hat was developed in 1908 and considered one of the most extreme forms of millinery. When worn properly, the cloche covered the eyes and often added inches of height. It would cause the wearer to lift the head and peer down the nose in order to see, usually resulting in a pretentious air.

Art Deco influence could be seen in some of the seams and line construction, especially when stitched in a zigzag design. The bulbous shape and elaborate appliqués were considered radical for the time, but the cloche became more acceptable as woman started wearing makeup. Once the initial shock of this style wore off, it became readily acceptable and a symbol of feminine style and refinement.