Historical information

Hat styles have sometimes changed little over the last 100 years. The 'fedora' style used for the manufacture of this 1970s hat dates from the 1890s. Originally a style favoured by women, it became primarily used for men's hats in the early 20th century, being popularised by the Prince of Wales, later Edward VIII. At one stage the fedora style became a symbol of the women's rights movement.

Significance

The Kew Historical Society’s fashion and design collection is comprised of costumes, hats, shoes and personal accessories. Many of these items were purchased or handmade in Victoria; some locally in Kew. The extensive hat collection comprises items dating from the 1860s to the 1970s. Most of the hats in the collection were created by milliners for women. There are however a number of early and important men’s hats in the collection. The headwear collection is particularly significant in that it includes the work of notable Australian and international milliners.

Physical description

A small unadorned dark brown felt fedora, assumed to be designed for a child. The hat has an indented crown and a soft brim. It is otherwise with adornment.

Inscriptions & markings

Nil