Hoed van zwart fluweel met paarse en zwarte struisveren en losse voile c. 1910

Editor: This piece, called "Hat of black velvet with purple and black ostrich feathers and loose veil" by W. Kroes, made around 1910, is such an eye-catching item of apparel. It looks heavy, but I imagine the feathers are quite delicate. What strikes you about this hat? Curator: The immediate impression is of dramatic contrasts. The clashing of colors – vibrant purple against stark black – speaks volumes about the wearer’s personality, wouldn’t you agree? Think of the fin-de-siècle era; this was a period of social upheaval, and clothing became a canvas for expressing individual identity. What kind of stories do you think the wearer was trying to communicate? Editor: I hadn’t thought of it that way. It seems quite bold and self-assured, almost defiant, considering the restrictions women faced then. Do the feathers themselves hold any symbolic significance? Curator: Absolutely. Feathers, historically, are potent symbols, often associated with status, power, and freedom. Ostrich feathers, in particular, signify luxury and exoticism. By incorporating them, the wearer actively participates in a visual language. Can you envision where she might have worn such a flamboyant piece? Editor: Perhaps at the theatre, or a glamorous dinner party? It certainly seems like a statement piece meant to attract attention. It’s interesting how clothing can be such a powerful form of communication. Curator: Indeed. By decoding these symbols and imagery, we begin to see beyond the surface and understand the cultural context in which this object existed and still resonates within our minds. Editor: That gives me a new perspective on fashion. Thank you! Curator: My pleasure; every piece carries a message for those who care to look and listen.