Hoedendoos, rond, van zwart gelakt zeildoek met ritssluiting before 1978

This hat box was made by Modesalon Hoogland, using black lacquered canvas and a zipper. At first glance, this may seem a simple, functional object. But consider the materials: lacquered canvas, a practical yet stylish choice, indicative of the rise of industrial materials in everyday life. The zipper, too, is a testament to technological advancement and mass production, its presence signaling a move towards convenience and efficiency in the early to mid-20th century. The hat box speaks volumes about the intersection of fashion, industry, and consumer culture. Its design reflects the changing lifestyles of an era marked by increasing mobility and access to manufactured goods. We can consider not only the labor of those who made the hat that this box was meant to protect, but also the unseen labor of those who produced the materials from which the box itself was constructed. By looking closely at its materials and construction, we gain a deeper understanding of the cultural values and economic forces that shaped its creation. It blurs boundaries between fashion, design, and the broader material culture.