Hats [Hardcover]

Desire Smith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1996

Over 350 color photographs depict a magnificent array of fashion hats from the early 19th century to present day, including the earliest known American straw bonnet. The hats are presented chronologically according to primary materials; straw, felt, horsehair, feathers, silk, velvet, and flowers. Trends in hat designs, Hollywood style, Stetson hats, tips on collecting, and contemporary millinery are also discussed. The captions include specific details about each hat, as well as labels and information about the milliners. This useful reference includes a glossary, a detailed price reference, and index with photographs of designer labels. This beautiful book will be cherished by collectors, dealers, fashion connoisseurs, and everyone who simply loves hats!

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Desire Smith is a collector, lecturer, and consultant on antique and vintage fashions and accessories. She is a member of the Costume Society of America and sells vintage clothing at Freame & Smith, Lambertville, New Jersey.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Publishing (1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 076430030X
• ISBN-13: 978-0764300301
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 11.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #383,388 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lots and Lots of Beautiful Hat Pictures, May 24, 2008

By 

B. Peress - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hats (Hardcover)

This book is in essence a catalog. But what a catalog it is! There are 148 pages of hat photos, divided into chapters mainly by material (straw, felt, horsehair, feathers, etc.) Each page contains approximately three close-up hat photos, with a notation of each hat's year of vintage and a short description. There is little other text, except for a one-page essay at the begining of each chapter.

These are current photos of real hats from collections: a few from the 19th century, most from the early through mid 20th. There is also a chapter on contemporary millinery, which includes a few pages of text and accompanying photos on today's millinery industry. At the end of the book is a price reference for each style depicted.

With photos that are large, close up, and technically excellent, this book is a visual treat for anyone interested in hats or the history of fashion.