Home as Hat: Susannah Mosher

Susannah Mosher for Home as Hat

BONNET AS SHELTER

"Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak." - Rachel Zoe

There are as many styles of head coverings as there are entries to the home. The bonnet is one hat that was you don't see too often anymore but was extremely usefully during periods when people were not as protected from the elements as we are today. The bonnet started life without a brim. Less used to shade ones face from the sun, this bonnet was widely worn during the 19th century to protect ones hair and face from dust and dirt. The head covering evolved to eventually extend the brim to protect the individual to sun as well.

While doing a bit of research on bonnets, I came across a variety styles I never even knew existed. A calash, for example, is a collapsable bonnet, while the coal-scuttle or sugar scoop bonnet were structured from straw and were stiff, limiting the view of the person wearing it. These straw hats were quite expensive and were usually crafted in Italy. The more comment and affordable bonnet board was a cardboard structure that was pressed into shape and covered with silk.

We no longer need hats to protect us from the elements but their history is fascinating and one that I continue to look at from the perspective of how they have sheltered us away from the elements when not at home.

Keep it under your hat,

Julie Green
July 23, 2016