Punthoed van groen bouclé c. 1943 - 1947

This is Suzanne Talbot’s pointy hat made from green bouclé. I love that we can see the bouclé so clearly; it’s a reminder of all the physical processes that go into making things. If you look closely, you can see how the fabric's texture influences the hat's form. The nubby bouclé creates a soft, almost yielding structure, quite different from the sharp point it makes at the top. The material's density gives the hat a sturdy presence, but it's also contrasted by the airy wireframe it's perched on, a whimsical base for a serious shape. The green is just great, not too bright, not too dull, a perfect foil to the hat's bold form. I am reminded of the work of Rei Kawakubo, who also explored similar sculptural forms in garments, playing with volume and material in unexpected ways. It's a reminder that art, even in fashion, is an ongoing conversation.