December 12, 2001

DOYLESTOWN, PA -- In years past, ladies weren't properly "turned out" unless they wore a fashionable hat. From sun bonnets, cloches, pillboxes and toques to turbans, berets, fedoras and hoods, hats completed the outfit with panache and flair. There were practical hats, pretty hats, party hats -- sophisticated styles with chiffon and feathers, sexy numbers in leopard, fox and mink, hats with bows and tassels and veiling.

Opening January 19, 2002, the James A. Michener Art Museum will tip its hat to the smartest toppers from the past 200 years in its new exhibition, "Stylish Hats: 200 Years of Sartorial Sculpture." The exhibition continues through April 14 and is sponsored by Kay Lopata Fine Arts and Intrigue Fine Apparel, with additional support from Architectural Woodworking Associates, Jane M. Yeuroukis, and Sadye Rose Hats & Fine Accessories.

This major exhibition from the collection of Neil Vincent, which is circulated by Museum Presentation Associates, presents a multitude of high-style creations that reflect the changing fashions of designer hats from 1780 to 1970 and includes hats from legendary milliners such as Virot, Felix, Lilly Dache, Balmain and Balenciaga. "These are classic designs that represent the best historic examples of artistry and craftsmanship. They are the purest form of fashion whose only function is to be fashionable," wrote Mr. Vincent about his collection.

This group of hats reflects the changing "fashionable ideals" of two centuries. Beginning with a rare calash from about 1780, made of moss-green silk taffeta ribbons, the exhibition provides a colorful tour of hat making.

Sixty-five years later, a fashionable woman could choose a bonnet of embroidered ivory satin. A preserved bird nestles among silk flowers and rhinestones to illustrate a late 19th century hat. In the 20th century, the pheasant feathers and jet beads gave way to close-fitting cloches, much simpler in design, that were the rage in the Roaring 20s.

Hats hugged the crown in the early and middle 30s, were modest after World War II and were followed by deep-crowed toques, coolie hats and a revival of the cloche in the late 50s. In the early 60s, Dior's flower-banked cocktail hats seemed to put a women's face in the center of a bouquet, while Jackie Kennedy immortalized the pill box. Finally, at the end of the decade, simple classic forms continued and more elaborate hair styles put hats out of fashion.

"The delightful artistry and craftsmanship of these hats and headdresses transcends the ebb and flow of mercurial fashion," noted Mr. Vincent. "They allow us to see these creations not just as the head coverings they once were, but as superb works of sculpture." Mr. Vincent began collecting in 1972 with an emphasis on high-style clothing and accessories with items dating from as early as 1725 and as late as 1995.

There is a $4.00 charge for this exhibition in addition to regular admission.

Media Contact:

Linda Milanesi
215-340-9800 ext. 113
lmilanesi@michenerartmuseum.org

• Stylish Hats! 200 Years of Sartorial Sculpture