180 x 180mm (18 x 18 cm)
Acrylic on Canvas Board
SOLD
COPYRIGHT MARIE THERON 2010
The bell-shaped cloche hat was first designed in France by Caroline Reboux around 1908. It was a development of the dowdy Victorian bonnet. Soon a truly small and fashionable hat appeared in the twenties and became all the rage. It was made of soft felt and fitted over cropped hair to give a small head shape. The shape contributed to the new slimmer lines of clothing during the Twenties.
The little pointed ribbons on the hats were always a puzzle to me. On Wikipedia I found a fascinating explanation. The ribbons were carrying all sorts of messages: The arrow-shaped pointed ribbon showed that a lady was single but has given her heart to someone. A firm knot was symbol of a firmly married lady, while a bow indicated someone interested in friendships.
The year 2007 saw a revival of the cloche hat on the catwalks and the streets. There are lovely hats available on e-bay, designed by Berti Borell. Let me know if you bought one!!!
Hi Marie!
ReplyDeleteI love your paintings, they are so pretty! Thanks for telling me about your new blog!
Thank you, Mango, I hope you get a chance to visit Berti Borell's lovely cloche hats.
ReplyDeleteAaah, a great classic, could also reflect today's modern woman! Gorgeous Marie, love the subtle colours!
ReplyDeleteYes, it can Maree,only now do I realize that a head-hugging hat can look good! Maybe it will be back in fashion and 'big hair' will disappear again!
ReplyDeleteHello Marie!
ReplyDeleteA friend sent me your blog link. Thank you for mentioning my hats! Your paintings ARE beautiful!! Berti Borrell
Dear Berti Borell, how kind of you!!! Receiving a comment from you, is one of the nicest that happened to "French Belles"
DeleteHello Marie!
ReplyDeleteA friend sent me your blog link. Your paintings ARE beautiful! Thank you for mentioning my hats!!