Historical information

Erik of London was an internationally significant milliner. He was a recognised authority on fashion, frequently quoted in the Australian press of the day. A number of his models are illustrated in Australian newspapers. It was not unusual for him to glamorise his hats with French names. A model 'Carmen' was launched in 1952.

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. While most of the hats in the collection were created by milliners for women, there are 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

Ivory coloured woman’s hat bordered and almost completely covered with abstract floppy flowers of the same colour. Beside the label on the brim is the handwritten word ‘Cezanne’ which is presumably the name of the model.

Inscriptions & markings

Label: Erik London. C & G Kobenhaven