The Iconic Cloche Hat's of the 1920's

The Iconic Cloche Hats of the 1920's

The cloche hat was not confined to the 1920s as is often first thought.

It was fashionable from 1908 to 1933 was one of the most extreme forms of millinery ever, with an appearance that resembled a helmet. It was the iconic hat of the twenties decade and will ever be associated with the flappers of the era. It was responsible for the period stance we associate with the era. To wear one correctly the hat had to be all but pulled over the eyes, making the wearer have to lift up the head, whilst peering snootily down the nose.

Cloche hats had a basic bell contour with bulbous crowns which if correctly designed could add inches to the height of the wearer helping to foster the haughty look, so redolent of the cloche in our mind’s eye.

Art Deco influence can be seen in the zigzag seaming and construction lines of many cloche hats. Art Deco appliqué was a popular embellishment. Cloches existed in many forms including one with a beret like top.

This harsh style was made more acceptable by the use of make up. Make up became the epitome of sophisticated chic and self-assurance. When a woman publicly applied make up from a glamorous compact when in a restaurant or dance hall, she was exhibiting the new symbol of womanly grace and refinement.

Never before had women abandoned the softness that came with possession of feminine tresses and its effect on physical appearance. Now the effect was for a different effect, one that said look at me I am a new woman unhampered by old ideas and I embrace the new. Make up instead was used to define the face in the modern style making it a specific and recognizable new look of the new women.

Blush was not considered quite proper so was used very sparingly. Those that overdid the rouge, were frowned upon for their poor skill at application, but luscious ox-blood red enhanced lips were a must for the woman of the moment.

SB - better late than never i suppose