Hat 1893 - 1897

This is a hat, with an unknown creation date, made by Camille Roger. While the hat may seem like a simple accessory, it tells a larger story about gender, class, and the evolving role of women in society. Hats like these were more than just fashion statements; they were signifiers of social status and adherence to particular ideals of femininity. The layers of fabric, the meticulous design, and the sheer impracticality of such a hat speak volumes about the lives of the women who wore them. Consider the labor involved in creating such an object, and who it was that made and who it was that wore the hat. The hat reflects the cultural norms of its time, but also opens questions about individual identity and resistance. This is the hat as both art and social commentary.