Jacket 1899

This jacket, made by Haas Brothers Importers, embodies the intersections of fashion, identity, and commerce. The Haas Brothers were a prominent importer based in San Francisco during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a period marked by significant immigration and economic change in the United States. Fashion items like this jacket speak to the aspirations and cultural negotiations of its wearers. Who wore this jacket, and what did it mean to them? The design itself hints at the blending of European styles with American practicality, reflecting the era's evolving standards of sophistication. Consider how clothing like this became a way for individuals to express their identities and participate in the larger cultural narrative of the time. As you observe this jacket, consider how clothing shapes our understanding of history, and reflects our personal stories.