Vintage Hats & Bonnets 1770-1970: Identification & Values [ILLUSTRATED] (Hardcover)

by Susan Langley (Author), John Dowling (Photographer) "Our hat odyssey begins in the third quarter of the eighteenth century, one of the most exciting and turbulent periods in history..." (more)
Key Phrases: lingerie cap, fanchon bonnets, scrapbook cutout, New York, Harper's Bazar, Les Modes Parisiennes (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
This book, published in 1998, has been well received by vintage clothing collectors. Presented in a unique way, the book chronicles the history of hats and bonnets, accompanied by vintage photographs of women wearing the items. A must-have for collectors of vintage hats and clothing.

Product Description
For centuries the hat has reflected the mood of its wearer and the spirit of its time. Hats are the crowning glory, the pinnacle, the grand finale of an outfit. Through history, when times were good, a joyous hat was a triumphant banner - when times were desperate, a brave hat could raise spirits. Vintage Hats & Bonnets is a time machine that follows the evolution of fashion from 1770 to 1970. The chapters are organized by decades and each has an historical overview, fashion overview, and hat descriptions, including information on materials, milliners, and designers of the day. Plus there's information on care, repair, and proper storage of hats. Just a few of the famous designers portrayed are Fortuny, Pengat, Patou, Olanvin, Paquin, Lelong, Schiaperelli, and Mary McFadden. 2004 values. REVIEW: This book, published in 1998, has been well received by vintage clothing collectors. Presented in a unique way, the book chronicles the history of hats and bonnets, accompanied by vintage photographs of women wearing the items. A must-have for collectors of vintage hats and clothing.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 404 pages
• Publisher: Collector Books; illustrated edition edition (March 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1574320289
• ISBN-13: 978-1574320282
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #535,829 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for costumers, September 4, 2002

By	P. L. Hutton "PLH" (California) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you're interested in reproducing authentic costumes, you won't find a better guide to hats and bonnets than this book. I haven't found anything close to it. Intended for collectors, it is full of photographs showing what women wore on their heads for the 200 year period covered. Today a hat is usually something worn strictly to protect from inclement weather. Until a generation or so ago, no woman felt dressed in public unless she wore some kind of hat. It's a valuable addition to any costume library.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fashion and history buff's delight!, June 30, 2000

By	Kim Scales (Miami, Florida) - See all my reviews

Susan Langley's book is great for people who enjoy reading about and admiring hats. It is informative, organized and beautiful. Except for the first two sections which comprise 3 decades each, 1770-1800 and 1800-1830, the book is organized by decade. Each section has a wonderful introduction which consists of a historical overview, fashion overview and overview of hats which is devoted solely to that time period. Then come the gorgeous fashion plates, vintage photos of hat-wearing ladies and actual hats on period milliner's heads such as the century old,rooted haired and glassed eyed Alice who is on the cover with the pink picture hat. Also included are advertisements and articles which,though in small print, can still be read. Ms Langley often compares the fashion plates with the photos of hats on the milliner's heads and old photos of women wearing the hats. This is a great book.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lovely Book--Great Photos and Good Text, May 14, 2001

By A Customer

This book really filled a void -- I liked the organization, the photo quality and the layout. I would have liked to have seen more examples from the 1930's and 1940's, but that's nitpicking (and personal!). I love that the book feels well made too-sturdy and like it will last.